One of the most important long-term considerations when selecting a real-time GPS vehicle tracking system is the network used to carry the data from the vehicle to the end user. This page will briefly outline the various networks for the systems provided by GPS Fleet Solutions and the networks used by our competitors.

All network maps represent approximate coverage areas. Environmental conditions, network tower placement, vehicle antenna type and antenna placement, all impact a system's ability to transmit GPS data in "real-time" from the vehicle to the end user. Passive GPS systems are not impacted by a coverage footprint associated with a specific network.

Our Networks

GSM / GPRS: (Global System (for) Mobile (communications) / General Packet Radio Service) This network will eventually support consumers wanting data via a cell phone network. GPRS is the data portion of the GSM network that carries data in packets. The GSM network continues to grow but not every market using GSM supports GPRS and not every market on the map provided has GSM coverage (read yellow highlighted areas). Communication channels are used on a shared-use, as-packets-are-needed basis rather than dedicated only to one user at a time. It should also be easier to make applications available to mobile users and Wap or i-mode should far more attractive for the user.

Packet switching means that GPRS radio resources are used only when users are actually sending or receiving data. Rather than dedicating a radio channel to a mobile data user for a fixed period of time, the available radio resource can be concurrently shared between several users.

Read more about GPRS
Read more about GSM

Our Systems

Competitor Networks

CDPD: "CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) is a specification for supporting wireless access to the Internet and other public packet-switched networks." (Whatis.com) In layman's terms it is a portion of the cell phone network that allows data to be sent on a voice network. Unlike a cell phone, CDPD does not automatically roll to an analog network when outside the coverage area. The significant issue is this network is being deactivated beginning March 2003.

Nextel: Nextel's iDen network is popular with contractors because the radio provides an inexpensive means to communicate. The problem becomes the added cost to the consumer when Nextel charges a monthly recurring fee and the GPS technology provider also charges a monthly recurring fee. In one configuration the Nextel phone/radio acts as the modem to transmit the GPS data when connected to the GPS unit. Many companies do not favor this configuration because the GPS data does not get transmitted unless the radio is physically connected to the GPS unit by the employee. Additional problems arise when GPS data transmission is delayed due to high radio or cell phone traffic during peak periods.
National maps not available.

LoJack: This is perhaps one of the oldest technology providers in the vehicle recovery industry. According to our research, LoJack uses their own towers or police towers which were erected in the 90's. The coverage area is limited to just a few markets and the coverage footprint is significantly smaller than the Aeris network. The largest advantage is the relatively low initial investment in hardware and no monthly fees. It is a vehicle recovery application in markets where available and if there is no concern for the vehicle leaving the local network. Once outside the network the system will not function.
View map: not available on-line because it corresponds to police networks