Garmin's FM TMC traffic service (Clear Channel) has changed from an annual $60 fee to a $60 lifetime fee. This applies to older units only, not the 2x5T and 7x5T units with ad-supported NAVTEQ traffic.
According to the Garmin website…
"Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter."
Thanks to David for the tip.
About Rich Owings
This seems a little desperate. I have a nuvi 350 and figured that I could get a traffic receiver (GTM 12) for ~$100.
A few questions:
1. How well does this the FM service work? Does the wired-in version GTM 10) work that much better to justify costing more, requiring installation, and not be portable (for rental car use, etc.) Is Clearchannel likely to discontinue this (see my above mention of desperation)?
2. Is it worth buying a receiver at all. It’s currently not in my area (Grand Rapids, MI), but there is a chance we’ll move in the next 2 years (that and the chance they might expand the service to West Mich and/or I might travel). I’ve had my nuvi for about a year, am I better off just buying a new GPS in 2-3 years that might have traffic included? I guess the subscription would transfer as long as the new one had FM.
Thanx