How much data does live traffic need?

[ksaa]

I'm facing the problem that TomTom decided to switch off the "TomTom Services via Built-in SIM" for my GO Premium (4PL60)
Hopefully they are not switching off the 6" touch screen as well.

I'm thinking on buying an international SIM card and a portable WLAN router to supply navigation system with some WLAN in my car.
Has anyone experience how much data an 1 hour drive approximately needs?
I found a provider that has 3 GB initial prepaid data with 100MB top-up each year which works in most countries. Enough?

 

[canderson]

My phone reports that I used 7.52MB last month, but I was only doing very short commutes. That's going to be on the low side of normal.

The actual number will vary a lot based upon the number of hours driven and the density of traffic in the areas where you drive.

 

[ksaa]

Thank you! Round about 100 MB/year sounds like I could try the setup described. I drive quite frequently so it may be more in my case.

 

[canderson]

Thank you! Round about 100 MB/year sounds like I could try the setup described. I drive quite frequently so it may be more in my case.

Yes - if you're on the road a lot, I'd guess 200MB/year would be a safer number.

 

[mikenew]

I used over 10 Mb on a 300km trip - this is not acceptable and I have lodged a complaint with TomTom. There is still the required network coverage available in nearly all the countries I visit and I don't see why I should have to use data roaming for a service that was included in the device I purchased.

 

[Treg]

Not impressed with Tom Tom's new way of live data from your phone as I find it very hit and miss to connect so the live data works.

And when it does how much phone battery is used up.

 

[canderson]

Not impressed with Tom Tom's new way of live data from your phone as I find it very hit and miss to connect so the live data works.

And when it does how much phone battery is used up.

If you are experiencing issues using Bluetooth, I would instead recommend using WiFi for the connection.

 

[mikenew]

Why should we have to use either wifi or bluetooth from a mobile phone when we bought these devices specifically because they had integral SIMs and included lifetime live traffic?

 

[canderson]

Why should we have to use either wifi or bluetooth from a mobile phone ...

Because your SIM has been shut down. You have a choice. Either get traffic, or don't.
We're here to supply answers, not grant wishes. Sorry. That's all we or anyone else here is able to do.

The PND competition is using the same method for data acquisition, so don't get your hopes up seeking a cellular alternative.

 

[Willy875]

Why should we have to use either wifi or bluetooth from a mobile phone when we bought these devices specifically because they had integral SIMs and included lifetime live traffic?

This is a question to ask directly to Tomtom support, because here on the forum it will not change Tomtom's position.

 

[mikenew]

I've complained, and sent the details to Trading Standards and BBC Watchdog - if others also complain it might encourage them to reactivate the inbuilt SIMs.

 

[Treg]

Why should we have to use either wifi or bluetooth from a mobile phone when we bought these devices specifically because they had integral SIMs and included lifetime live traffic?

Yes I agree and it's not even a question of buying a more up to date unit as all the new ones work through your mobile phone as well! It's almost easier to just use your mobile phone than go through the hassle of setting up the Tom Tom to get live data.

 

[Treg]

I've complained, and sent the details to Trading Standards and BBC Watchdog - if others also complain it might encourage them to reactivate the inbuilt

 

[Treg]

Has to be worth a try.

 

[Treg]

If you are experiencing issues using Bluetooth, I would instead recommend using WiFi for the connection.

Worth a try.

Thank you

 

[canderson]

Worth a try.

Thank you

It's especially true if the phone is running iOS. Seems Apple's Bluetooth stacks haven't played well with TomTom's for quite a long time now. Android has been far less problematic.

I have been using the WiFi hotspot on my phones to connect a couple of different TomTom devices at the same time for a number of years, and found it to be a very stable solution.

 

[Treg]

It's especially true if the phone is running iOS. Seems Apple's Bluetooth stacks haven't played well with TomTom's for quite a long time now. Android has been far less problematic.

I have been using the WiFi hotspot on my phones to connect a couple of different TomTom devices at the same time for a number of years, and found it to be a very stable solution.

I'm on a Samsung so don't think it's that.

Will give it a try.

Cheers