TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic In USA
Update: Yes, the traffic service is now available in the USA. You can read about how it works on our GPS Traffic page.
Currently, the only traffic service available for TomTom devices in the USA utilizes a data connection on a mobile phone to retrieve the traffic information. However that service is difficult to use for many people because there are only a handful of compatible phones and compatible phone data plans from carriers here in the USA. However it appears that is soon about to change as it looks like TomTom will soon unveil a RDS-TMC traffic solution in the USA. So what is the advantage of this type of delivery? Instead of relying on a (sometimes costly) data plan from your phone carrier, this service receives information over radio waves through a special antenna.
We’ve heard hints that the RDS-TMC traffic service will come across the pond to the USA for TomTom devices, and those hints are growing stronger. However the strongest evidence now comes directly from TomTom’s website, in reference to the 6.522 application update for the 910, 710, and 510. In the update notes it says this:
Support for the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver for the USA.
Well that seems pretty straightforward!
We’ve also heard from customers who have spoken with TomTom and have been told a traffic receiver is in the works for the USA.
We don’t know when, or how much the service will cost. In Europe, customers pay roughly $135 for the traffic receiver and that gives you a lifetime use for the service. However over there a portion of the traffic information is available from government organizations; we don’t expect to see it available for free here.
I just thought I’d reiterate a quick tip someone mentioned to me, that I’ve since confirmed through systematic testing. You can dramatically improve reception by unplugging the power cable from the GPS. Of course then you are running on battery power and not charging the battery which is a really bad trade-off…. but it does considerably improve reception.
What is the latest on the RDS-TMS for Atlanta? I just bought a 930T, and like everyone else on this thread I am not getting any traffic updates.
My TT3rd has had traffic in Atl for about 2 months. Works great. Lots of channals to choose from. The bad part is that it tells you what you already know; the traffic in the Atl sucks.
Just a quick note that TomTom released a software update for the traffic receiver recently through TomTom HOME. They listed the following in the notes.
Much like smudger at #63, when i plug the RDS/TMC in to the tomtotm i get a message telling me that the RDS/TMC cannot be used in combination with the current map (North America). TomTom Support had me use my Latest Map upgrade and stated it would correct the issue. It did not work. Any suggestions?
Andre, most of the time I’ve seen that error message the person was incorrectly sold, or incorrectly purchased the European version of the traffic receiver which looks the same but has different internal components.
The update worked for me.
Any updates on Atlanta?
Atl has been up for a while and is working great.
How long ago did it come back up?
It has worked since around April or May
Have a Tom-Tom ONE. New at this. Should I upgrade/install the RDS Tmc? Does it cost extra money? Also should I install/update to the phone? Or do these things just cause problems?
The RDS-TMC does cost extra and only comes with a one year subscription (US only).
European version, North American version, everyone adresses different version but does anyony really know which is which by cable ID tag.
I was told that tomtom has traffic cable that has no feed yearly or they have a software for your gps do any one where they have it or download unable to find it
thank-you