The Traffic Message Channel (TMC) offer information, directions and warnings to a GPS mobile phone user through FM signals, about the existing condition or impending hazards during journeys. The user will be furnished with valuable information about climatic catastrophes ahead and will help to avoid perilous paths. TMC is based on Radio Data System and the user will be alerted by a small icon on the screen of TMC activated GPS mobile phone, the moment a message is received through the RDS. Traffic message channel is integrated with the software to work as a wireless data exchange for the mobile phone.

GPS mobile phones are compatible with TMC, which make the devise a perfect navigational equipment. The GPS becomes more efficient in its navigational applications with the support of the satellite data. TMC is available in almost all developed countries. As on now it is provided as an option to the mobile phone user. However, many equipment manufacturers have incorporated the TMC with their GPS phones. The smart phones are armed with TMC Bluetooth GPS receivers to provide alerts to the users. The hardware device is used for navigation in the satellite based GPS receiver along with its accurate digital road maps.

Many service providers are now offering TMC traffic updates which are capable of suggesting alternate routes to the users in case of hazards during the journeys. Navigation with a compatible phone which is equipped with touch screen display and 3D maps are now available to the subscribers. The TMC receivers are specially designed to filter messages and to furnish only location specific information to the mobile phone users. The built-in updates and maps which highlight locations like gas stations, restaurants etc are available in many countries. Latest and sophisticated products with 2GB internal flash memory and with maps of the country where the portable phone navigator is used are offered to the consumers. In some models names of roads and important landmarks are announced through the built-in speaker. Different navigation modes suitable for pedestrians and cyclists are also provided in TMC compatible GPS phones.

The market is now offering many new products with country specific or region specific data for the consumers to choose from. Choice of language is also possible in certain regions to provide audio messages to the users. TMC is capable of supporting up to 300 messages per hour. It is a 'silent' data provider and a special decoder is to be installed in the receiver of the phone. Constant up dating of the data will help to provide advance warnings in the cases of sudden developments that may cause hazards on the roads.

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