Cost
Lower initial investment, with ongoing monthly or yearly fees.
Modern surveying demands precision, flexibility, and speed. Projects are getting larger, timelines tighter, and expectations higher — leaving no room for inefficiency in the field. To stay competitive, today’s surveyors need GNSS receivers that can deliver accuracy anywhere, without being tethered by distance, line-of-sight, or signal challenges.
The Trimble R980 builds on the proven performance of the R12i, introducing enhanced connectivity, expanded storage, and seamless integration that redefine what’s possible in field productivity. Designed for the next generation of survey work, it’s the receiver that keeps pace with every project — no matter the size or environment.

For too long, surveyors have been held back by the limits of traditional GNSS systems. Standard radio-based RTK setups keep crews tethered to a narrow operating range, creating what many call an “invisible fence” around every jobsite. Once you step beyond that range, accuracy drops — and productivity along with it.
Every extra base relocation means more downtime, more setup, and more labor hours lost. Radio interference and licensing requirements add layers of complexity, while signal interruptions can lead to costly rework or data inconsistencies.These limitations restrict what your business can take on.
The bottom line: when your range is limited, your productivity is too. To stay ahead, modern survey leaders need GNSS receivers that remove those barriers entirely and perform reliably wherever the project takes them.
The Trimble R980 was engineered to help surveyors work faster, cover more ground, and maintain accuracy anywhere. It combines the precision Trimble is known for with advanced connectivity and storage upgrades that eliminate downtime and simplify every phase of fieldwork
The R980 builds on the proven performance of the R12i with major upgrades designed for today’s connected jobsite:

The Trimble R980 GNSS receiver offers two flexible configuration options—Subscription and Perpetual—designed to meet the needs of different surveying teams. Whether you're managing long-term assets or scaling for short-term projects, each configuration provides access to powerful GNSS capabilities and Trimble’s correction services, with distinct approaches to ownership and feature access.
Best For Users who need lower upfront costs, want to match costs to project cycles, or are not ready for a large initial investment.
Lower initial investment, with ongoing monthly or yearly fees.
Can be renewed based on project needs; often allows for costs to be expensed per job.
Access to updates and support is included as long as the subscription is active.
Best For Users who want to own assets, and prefer capital expense (CAPEX), and are confident they will use the product for a long period.
Higher one-time upfront cost.
Less flexible; requires a significant new investment.
Requires an additional annual warranty fee for access to the latest firmware.
The Trimble R12i and R980 share the same foundation of precision, reliability, and field-tested durability that Trimble receivers are known for. But the R980 builds on that legacy with upgraded connectivity, power, and integration designed for today’s more connected, fast-moving survey operations. Here's how two models compare:

The Trimble R980 is a complete redefinition of what field efficiency looks like. With unmatched connectivity, accuracy, and reliability, it’s built for the projects of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or replacing aging equipment, now’s the perfect time to make the move. Take advantage and experience the next evolution in GNSS performance.