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Q: What is the WCBS Video Cellmate?
A:  The WCBS Video Cellmate is a mobile phone application that allows you to access live traffic cameras throughout the Tri-State region directly on your cell phone.

Q:  How many live traffic cameras are there, and where are they located?
A:  There are over 450 live traffic cameras along major roads and crossings in the tri-state area, stretching from New Haven, Connecticut to Southern New Jersey.  Not all roads in all areas currently have traffic cameras installed, but more cameras are being added to the network all the time.  From time to time, a camera may be taken out of service temporarily for routine maintenance or at the request of Police, Fire or other civil authority. The WCBS Video Cellmate team monitors the camera roster continuously, and the list on your phone is always the most recent.

Q: How do I get the WCBS Video Cellmate?
A: When you call 877-880-ROAD or go to the download page on wcbs880.com you will be asked to enter your cell phone number.  A text message will then be sent to your phone containing a link to a mobile web site that will allow you to automatically download and install the application.

Q: How much does the WCBS Video Cellmate cost?
A:  It's FREE!  WCBS does not charge our listeners a penny to use the service.  Financial support from our sponsors helps keep it that way.  All you need is a data plan from your cellular provider.  If you are not sure if you have a data plan, scroll down this page.

Q:  Will the WCBS Video Cellmate work on my cell phone? 
A:  The WCBS Video Cellmate works on data-enabled phones on the Sprint, Cingular and T-Mobile networks, as well as on BlackBerry and Palm Treo smart phones on any network including Verizon Wireless.  The WCBS Video Cellmate supports many popular phone handsets and more are being added all the time.  For an up-to-date list of handsets supported, click here.

Q:  How do I know if my cell phone is data-enabled?
A:  BlackBerries and Palm Treos are already data-enabled.  For all other phones, check your calling plan.  Many plans these days include a certain level of data services bundled in with the calling plan.  We recommend an “Unlimited” data plan as the most economical (in most cases).  If you’re not sure, or want to add or upgrade a data plan, dial 611 on your cell phone (carrier customer service) or dial the following customer service numbers:

 Sprint    1-800-SPRINT1
 Cingular  1-888-333-6651
 T-Mobile   1-800-937-8997
 Verizon Wireless  1-800-922-0204

Q: How do I use the WCBS Video Cellmate?
A: Once you download the WCBS Video Cellmate application it will be stored in the area of your phone where downloads and applications are found.  This will vary from phone to phone.  On some phones, you may be able to mark the WCBS Video Cellmate as a “favorite”. 

Once you have located the WCBS Video Cellmate click your Select button to start the application.  A title screen with the name WCBS Video Cellmate will load in, followed by a series of menus that will allow you to find your preferred location, the roads you may want to follow and the particular cameras on that road.  You can select a particular camera or highway exit or crossing, or scroll back and forth along all the cameras on a particular road.

Q: What is the row of little circles that appear below or to the side of the camera image for?
A: The row of circles indicates how many cameras are installed on the road you are traveling on, ahead of and behind the camera you are currently viewing.  You can use the phone menu controls to scroll forward or backward to view these cameras.

Q: How do I set certain traffic cameras as my “favorites”?
A: Once you find cameras that you know you want to view regularly, you can save them as “favorites” by holding down one of the number keys on your phone, the same way you might save a favorite station on your car radio.  You can save up to 10 cameras as favorites.  Any time you are running the WCBS Video Cellmate, quickly pressing one of these keys will take you to the associated saved camera.

Q:  Some cameras show moving traffic, some show still pictures.  Why is that?
A: All of the WCBS Video Cellmate cameras are real-time video.  Some cameras are full-motion video (which we show as a short loop repeated twice – this saves power on your phone).  Other cameras show live video still pictures that are updated every 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.  The update rate is indicated on the screen of your phone.  As we continue to build out the network, most cameras will be showing full-motion video.

Q: A traffic camera associated with a highway exit will say “Northbound” or “Westbound” for example.  How do I know which way I’m actually looking -  towards the traffic or following the traffic?
A:  The designations North- South- East- or West-bound refer to the side of the road on which the pole holding up the camera is placed.  Many cameras can be toggled remotely to look in different directions, and this is at the discretion of the Police, Fire and other civil authorities.  So, the best rule of thumb is to take your bearings from where the camera appears to be located.

Q:  Sometimes the sponsor’s advertisements seem to be on the screen for a particularly long time.  Why is that?
A: Our sponsor’s advertisements are shown as the next camera is loading in.  You could consider it as taking the place of the notice “Loading” or “Please Wait” message that you would typically see on your computer screen.  The speed at which the next camera loads in depends on the strength of the cell phone signal you are receiving.  In areas with low signal quality it will take longer to load the next camera, hence the advertisement lingers on the screen a bit longer as well.

Q: How do I exit the WCBS Video Cellmate program?
A: Go to “Exit” on the menu or press the “End” key multiple times.

Q: What should I do if I am having problems using the WCBS Video Cellmate program?
A: First, stop and then restart the application.  If the problem persists, try powering the phone off and on again.  If you are still having difficulties, you can email customer service or call 1-877-880-ROAD.

Q:  How do I remove the WCBS Video Cellmate from my phone?
A:  Follow the handset manual’s instruction for uninstalling applications.