When Will Tomtom Move to 3G Connectivity?

[Guivre46]

Following from the discussion here, thought I'd post it as separate question. There does not seem any point in buying a new Tomtom until the connectivity is updated?
_________________
Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
Go 530T - unsupported
Go550 Live [not renewed]
Kia In-dash Tomtom

[M8TJT]

The question should really be "When will TT go to 4G?"

[technik]

Unless you work for TomTom then nobody will know the answer to this question.

It's like asking when will TomTom produce maps for the moon.

You could always buy a 4G handset and install the TomTom app which would give you what you are asking for.
_________________
GO 620, Tomtom Android EU,
Garmin 2548LMT-D; 2599LMT-D

[Guivre46]

Very true and very likely. We've discussed from time to time the future of PNDs. I'm assuming if 3G is not implemented then eventually Live connectivity will cease to be a function, though PNDs could still be manufactured. So if you want Live services then a phone may be the only option. Only flaw for me is my preference for a larger screen. Also I wonder about the situation with built-in car navigation. Perhaps you run the route on the built-in, and use the phone to re-route if necessary...
_________________
Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
Go 530T - unsupported
Go550 Live [not renewed]
Kia In-dash Tomtom

[matthewj]

2G cellular is unlikely to go anywhere soon. So long as it is making money of course.

http://www.broadbandchoice.co.uk/news/quocirca-claims-no-end-in-sight-for-uk-2g-networks-801425200/

The USA is closing some in 2017 according to that. I think TomTom should be looking at 3G though. If they ship a device next year, it should get 5 good years of service. I think that would be reasonable. Actually, if AT&T are giving such notice now, TomTom should start changing anyway for their US market. Then the rest of the world will gain too.

[Darren]

The limitation isn't technology but the reluctance of carriers to enter into fixed price deals without data caps. By limiting TT to GPRS they can control the amount of data consumed by a device.
_________________
Darren Griffin

[Guivre46]

This is where I embarass myself, I thought that 3G allows more data to be downloaded more quickly, so doesn't this assist if there is a data cap?
_________________
Mike R [aka Wyvern46]
Go 530T - unsupported
Go550 Live [not renewed]
Kia In-dash Tomtom

[Darren]

But they can't easily constrain the amount of data downloaded. They can't cap it else you run the risk of a device being locked out for using too much data.

By restricting them (TT) to GPRS they know that it's unlikely that it will use a lot of data.

It's all about the networks and their reluctance both to invest in their infrastructure and the lack of opportunity for them when they agree to fixed price plans like TT enjoy for their LIVE service.

NAV3 would benefit hugely if 3G were available. You'd be released from the need to do software updates via a computer for starters. It has the ability to download firmware updates OTA and to do so in small chunks ready for update once the full file has been downloaded.

But it needs 3G and that's not yet forthcoming.
_________________
Darren Griffin

[technik]

Geographically, 2G network coverage will be greater than 3G, and also if TomTom used 3G there would be data delays and extra network switching load between 2G and 3G when 3G coverage is lost.

Another factor is battery drain is much greater on 3G, so your PND battery would run down a lot faster if you relied on it's internal battery.
_________________
GO 620, Tomtom Android EU,
Garmin 2548LMT-D; 2599LMT-D

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!