TomTom announces the availability of its new premium traffic service TomTom High Definition Traffic (HD Traffic) in the Netherlands.
The patented TomTom HD Traffic technology uses raw, anonymous GSM signaling data made available through the partnership between TomTom and Vodafone. This data is merged with existing traffic sources to deliver the world’s most advanced traffic data.
This new way of supplying customers with accurate and precise traffic information, using anonymous, aggregated mobile phone data, sets a new industry standard and revolutionises the way drivers plan their daily journeys. The traffic data is refreshed every three minutes, providing drivers with up to five times more traffic updates compared to traditional traffic solutions. This allows users to easily plan the smartest route to their destination, knowing in advance when to leave and at what time they will arrive. In addition, HD Traffic covers at least ten times more roads in the Netherlands, so drivers know in advance that the alternative route they take is actually a smarter option, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays.
TomTom has entered into a partnership with mobile network operator Vodafone in The Netherlands and in the United Kingdom for the supply of the anonymous GSM signaling data.
TomTom’s High Definition Traffic service will be available for the first time with the new TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic – in stores in The Netherlands mid November 2007. An accessory that enables current TomTom users to receive High Definition Traffic information will be launched early 2008. TomTom expects to launch High Definition Traffic in the United Kingdom in the first half of 2008.
The new TomTom ONE XL HD Traffic features a slim design with 4.3 inch touch screen for a better overview of the driver’s surroundings and comes pre-installed with door-to-door maps of Europe. The integrated data connection provides customers with High Definition Traffic information straight out of the box, so no activation, configuration or installation is required. TomTom’s latest software version allows drivers to make use of recently introduced technologies such as TomTom Map Share – to instantly make changes to the map and share corrections with others.
“TomTom High Definition Traffic information is a big change for our users when planning their daily journeys. They know more about traffic flows and how to avoid them than anyone else. This creates a feeling of control and comfort. This world premiere provides TomTom users with a breakthrough solution to a structural, every-day problem and marks a significant change in mobility management and route guidance,” says Harold Goddijn, chief executive officer at TomTom. “With High Definition Traffic, drivers can plan their day in a smarter way, based on accurate and precise traffic information. We are looking forward to expanding our High Definition Traffic offering to other European countries in 2008.”