Why do they use GPRS instead of FM aerial for traffic?

Mark_Darlington · Occasional Visitor Joined: Nov 29, 2005 Posts: 7

Hi everyone,
Now i know that tomtom use the ITIS service to provide their traffic information, and that the data is broadcast on the FM radio frequency, I wondered why tomtom chose to stream this data to the GO units via GPRS rather than build in a suitable FM aerial.

Any ideas?

Cheers,
Mark

JimmyTheHand · Frequent Visitor Joined: Apr 16, 2005 Posts: 386

fwor · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 01, 2005 Posts: 39

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:59 am Post subject:

FM is by definition fairly short range (local radio size) that's why national radio is on a range of frequencies with a whole network of transmitter sites to service it.
I can't imagine any company like TomTom being able to even imagine the investment required to produce the infrastructure to achieve national coverage, let alone the legislation required.

TazUk · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:37 am Post subject:

Ah but the TMC data is already being trasmitted by radio stations across Europe, in the UK it's done by Classic FM ;)

MarkHewitt · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:59 am Post subject:

Shuntis · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 05, 2005 Posts: 5

To be honest, TomTom could have easily fitted an FM aerial in the unit and it would pick up the info. Traffic Master systems are already utilised in many cars as it is... i personally can't see why it couldn't be done... i just know that it won't be.

I would love to take advantage of the traffic information, but my contract doesn't support GPRS and I don't intend to change my contract (cos its so cheap for what I get) just to get traffic and weather reports... AND pay for them...

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject:

Eldar · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:51 pm Post subject:

Almahadeus · Frequent Visitor Joined: Aug 06, 2005 Posts: 346

Isn't this what Garmin is already doing with their c340. Here is the quote from their website:
"Notification of traffic delays is a c340 option that lets drivers see congested areas via a color-coded map. This feature lets users avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that will calculate a new route. This traffic awareness is made possible via the new Garmin GTM 10™ FM TMC receiver that connects to selected Garmin street navigation products. The GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe."
and here is the website:
http://www.garmin.com/products/sp340/
It seems that it is actually quite possible to do.

Eldar · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:38 pm Post subject: Re: FM Receiver

Darren · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:50 pm Post subject:

remus · Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject:

The new AA Sat Nav uses Real-time Traffic Data broadcast by ITIS over Classic FM in the UK
To find out more have a look at this page

http://www.aanavigator.co.uk/shop/product.asp?id=58

should answer most questions

Kevin.

Shuntis · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 05, 2005 Posts: 5

Eldar · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:43 am Post subject:

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