If I remember correctly, all TomTom did enable the RDS-TMC signal received from the radio broadcasters to display the result of the signals on screen. If there is no signal nothing can be done.
Here in North America they started to dismantle the system years ago and the last hold outs in heavily populated areas stopped over two years ago. I believe they pulled the plug in Australia a year ago too.
Don't know what you mean about the "new one" unless you are referring to the antenna egg about 8" from the microUSB plug.