For Traffic data, do you need to buy a data/internet plan? Or is it like GPS, free?
1962653
I live in Brazil, we don´t have this service here. But I´m pretty sure that you will have to pay for it in the US.
1962654
It gives you very basic traffic for free. Useful traffic requires you to buy an iPhone app and run it at the same time to get good traffic.
1962655
It's free, but no where near as good as Google's traffic on your cell phone. Garmin relies of FM signals to get traffic data. Reception is spotty. For example, if you drive from NY to Boston, only about 1/2 the route is covered.
1962656
I believe it's free, although sometimes it will work through your phone, so yes if use your phone you will need a data plan.
1962657
It is free. The cord itself has a receiver built into it and picks up the signal.
1962658
On a recent trip, Garmin did show traffic problems further down the road. Therefore, I don't think You will need to purchase anything else.
1962659
According to the item listing traffic is lifetime with no additional charges. Since I've only had the unit for less than 3 months I can't verifiy how long it will really last... so far, so good. To this point I have only gotten one traffic warning.
480880
GPS can be used without wifi. It works great, I used it in my car on the way to work last week to test out. No traffic option yet. I believe it uses google maps.
681189
Hi Barbra, If you have wifi you really won't need a data plan but, you can add one. And, also gps.
518645
Navigator, no. It's not a gps to get you around town. Think of it like a tracking tool. Recording coordinates and speed data
1081673
I have a question about If you get the web-enabled traffic app that works through your smart phone data plan for a one-time payment of $15. What is this? The payment is made to garmin? I looked on garmins site, but didn't see anything having to do with a $15.00 payment. What exactly is this? Thanks
1933825
No but you can purchase map upgrades ONE TIME from Garmin that are good for the life of the Unit. It does come with lifetime traffic though.
2271260
I have unlimited Data with my Verizon plan, but honestly the greatest amount of Data used by cell-phone maps is the map itself. Since I cannot even get the local map to pull up with GPS signal alone, unless I have my data connection turned on, I assume that my Android-based phone waits and downloads the map information through Google-maps live, on the fly, and only stores a small amount of whatever is near me through the route calculated to my stated destination. I actually think it too bad the user does not have the Option with Android to retain all map data once it is downloaded, perhaps up to a certain volume (200MB maybe?) and allow the live feed to simply 'correct' whatever is newer as it comes in. I would seldom miss the live Traffic info that colors the route green-yellow-red on my google navigation. When in the Cobra-App, it is just like having your Navigator in MAP mode (no routing or navigation shown). The amount of extra data to download the live user-reported risk areas from Cobra would be insignificant next to that. So if you are already using your phone for navigation, you should have 'about' the same level of data usage, regardless. I will say that I have found it particularly useful having a live download of stationary camera locations. Drivers have to be extra-vigilant around red-light intersections and speed-watches, since camera-tickets are notoriously inaccurate and occasionally found programmed to maximize the profit of the company getting a kick-back based on how many tickets are generated, rather than truly penalizing only the reckless drivers. On having a Radar Detector in every car: My state puts up construction signs with radar onboard, which results in an audible and flashing alert to watch carefully that you are at the correct speed for every Construction zone. You REALLY don't want to accidentally be cruising into one of those at 65 mph.
654901
No. However if you have no plan, you will be charged for the amount of data used. So, although there's no requirement, you probably want a plan.
488553
Hello Jazz1, To get real-time traffic information on all new TomTom GO models you do indeed use your smartphone to connect to the TomTom Traffic services. To be clear, your smartphone is NOT required for navigation purposes at all, it is only used when gathering traffic information in your area. You do not need to be connected to a smartphone to use the GPS and navigation features, it's only if you want the latest traffic information while driving. Depending on your cellular provider your coverage may vary by location. However, the GO device updates the latest traffic in your area every 2 minutes. Therefore, if you happen to be driving in an area where cellular service is going in and out, you might not even notice since your device will still have the last traffic information it received and will get the latest update once your phone connects again. The GO device will provide you a picture of the traffic within a 1 hour drive, and provide you a route around it (i.e. the fastest route) whenever there is traffic between you and your destination. The GO 500 includes a lifetime subscription to TomTom Traffic so you'll never have to worry about paying for this advanced traffic service in the future. Additionally, the new GO models all come with lifetime maps getting you 4 map updates per year for the lifetime of your device. Hope this information helps! Let us know in case of other questions.
1809950
You can get Traffic updates with this model, but they aren't free like maps.
487473
No, you do not need the live subscription in order to update your traffic maps. The live service keeps you posted in case of traffic delays. I found it to be marginally useful and am not updating my live subscription. The 1535 is a great unit.
2226034
You can use the GTM 20 for traffic Data!!!https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=36249Or course you can find it cheap from Amazon for example.Garmin GTM 20 with Lifetime TrafficOf course this is only for Traffic!!! All the other MSN stuff doesn't work. You want to also make sure your Area is covered as this service and MSN do not cover all the same area's. At least there is a option. The only other thing you could do is buy a new GPS, the garmin 1690 for example has the newer Garmin nüLink! built in. It uses the CELL network I believe. It's more like MSN direct with a few more features. From what I read it has it's own problems like wrong traffic data. Then again MSN and this other traffic service were never all that reliable either. You can use the GTM 20 for traffic Data!!!https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=36249Or course you can find it cheap from Amazon for example.Garmin GTM 20 with Lifetime TrafficOf course this is only for Traffic!!! All the other MSN stuff doesn't work. You want to also make sure your Area is covered as this service and MSN do not cover all the same area's. At least there is a option. The only other thing you could do is buy a new GPS, the garmin 1690 for example has the newer Garmin nüLink!... » Read More You can use the GTM 20 for traffic Data!!!https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=36249Or course you can find it cheap from Amazon for example.Garmin GTM 20 with Lifetime TrafficOf course this is only for Traffic!!! All the other MSN stuff doesn't work. You want to also make sure your Area is covered as this service and MSN do not cover all the same area's. At least there is a option. The only other thing you could do is buy a new GPS, the garmin 1690 for example has the newer Garmin nüLink! built in. It uses the CELL network I believe. It's more like MSN direct with a few more features. From what I read it has it's own problems like wrong traffic data. Then again MSN and this other traffic service were never all that reliable either. « Show Less
342844
Yes, but if you want to use the web or send pictures, you must buy a data plan
2272326
It does have traffic updates, but in certain cities. Unfortunately traffic does not work in the City I live in. So that feature is useless to me.
757487
Hello Moses, yes it does. The GPS also does not require a data plan to use.
1661300
you don't need to have data service for gps work. this is stand alone gps, so no monthly charge for gps.
480881
Samsung Galaxy Tab (Wi-Fi) What features are available with the GPS. Are the maps proprietary or does it use Google Maps? Can I get a traffic option?