HD Traffic 'v' GPRS Traffic

[SpeedCam]

Having watched the video below, I have to ask if technically why we need the HD hardware. If I'm not mistaken TomTom will be collecting traffic data from their existing sources and combining this with the new data from Vodafone. HD Traffic users will still collect this data from TomTom, vodafone are only being used to provide the traffic data and as a preferred GPRS provider. If my logic is correct why can't existing GPRS traffic users subscribe/benefit from the HD data without having to buy the hardware?

If there is a dependency on the HD hardware what extra functionallity does it offer, up and above a standard 3G phone, is it providing TomTom/Vodafone with additional data.

I suspect its a way to force customers to buy new hardware, and at the same time reduce TomTom support costs as they no longer have to support 100's of different phone handsets?



http://www.vimeo.com/649472

[rtj70]

I would think it's a source of revenue and as you say reducing the support costs for hardware.

My mobile uses a company SIM and does not have GPRS/3G enabled although the phone is 3G. If I need data access for my laptop I can request a PC data card. So for GPRS traffic I need to use a PAYG SIM in another handset. So the new TomTom HD traffic will be an improvement for me but maybe not most.

[Greenglide]

One thought - can vodafone track all their mobiles legally and also work out which are in cars or are they using the HD device to track those legally (GPS supplies location to GPRS device) knowing that the TT unit could be in a car.

If you break down on a motorway will the HD system assume that you are in a traffic jam

[philpugh]

They are (legally) able to track you so long as they don't release any identifiable data about you/the phone etc. So they will provide anonymised information. What it will be (I guess) is along the lines - 90% of our phones "on" the M6 northbound near Jn 19 are travelling at 60mph. That sort of thing. Tracking large numbers of phones should allow them to have a statisically representative sample that will accomodate people turning them off, stopping for a coffee etc. If 90% suddenly stop then you can be fairly certain that there is a problem somewhere. What I am less certain about is can they distinguish between motorways and major roads very near to motorways (these exist) as the cell phone locating is only to about 100mtrs I think.

It's just another data source for the TMC information.
_________________
Phil

[LesP2008]

If our phones are providing a service why are they not paying US for the privilege.

Or will Vodaphone insert a clause into their phone/sim contracts saying that they always maintain ownership of the units.

Is this data just collected from people with a sat nav and HD traffic set up or from anybody with a vodaphone mobile?

[AndyVaughan]

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