HERE introduces radio-based technology in Kuwait

Mapping and location technology provider HERE has collaborated with Marina FM to introduce the Radio Data System-Traffic Messaging Channel (RDS-TMC) service in Kuwait.

The new technology is claimed to be a reliable and economic system that allows motorists to receive precise, real-time traffic data on the head unit display or the personal navigation device (PND) of their vehicles.

The drivers can also get to know about the condition of roads they are travelling on without any wireless service or data packages.

HERE traffic services head Tony Belkin said: "HERE Real Time Traffic provides up-to-the-minute information about current traffic conditions, helping drivers make the best decision about the rest of their journey by improving the accuracy of arrival times.

"As a leading provider of high-quality traffic information across the globe, HERE creates for each market a custom approach to deliver information to drivers in the most effective format possible."

HERE provides traffic information through a range of formats and distribution options such as DAB+, HD Radio, RDS, TPEG and connected APIs.

Serving Kuwait since last June, HERE Real Time Traffic for connected devices plans to serve across the Gulf region in the future.

The company has also collaborated with Honda Canada and the Broadcaster Traffic consortium (BTC) to provide in-vehicle HD Traffic service in Canada, reported Traffictechnologytoday.com.

In Canada, HD Traffic at present will be available in areas within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton region, Calgary and Vancouver.

Unlike the RDS standard, HERE HD Radio technology operates on greater bandwidth and can also provide data without being connected to a wireless network.

This enables drivers to receive more information such as weather reports and fuel price on their vehicle display screens.

---

Image: The RDS-TMC technology enables drivers to receive real time traffic data. Photo: courtesy of z22 via Wikipedia.