Replies to post #2159 on e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

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Motorola for Motorists

(15/05/2001, BWCS Staff) A new vehicle navigation system to be launched in the UK and Germany later this year will offer directions to drivers via mobile phone networks. Trafficmaster, the UK-based company behind the service, is teaming up with US equipment supplier Motorola to provide traffic and route information to private motorists. The service, called T-nav, is due to be rolled out in the rest of Europe during 2002, with a US launch scheduled for a later date.

When phoning a Trafficmaster call centre from a standard mobile phone, drivers will be given real-time traffic reports and automatic re-routing information for their selected destination. The information is downloaded from one of Motorola’s i-Radio roadside navigation servers onto the customer’s mobile handset and the phone connection is then closed to reduce call charges; the data is then transferred from the phone to a telematics device within the car which provides the driver with the required information.

Traffic master claims that T-nav will provide a more affordable alternative to the on-board navigation systems which are being fitted in luxury cars. Where these can cost up to £3,000 each, T-nav will be available for around £300, or via a monthly subscription of around £8.