Satelicar – GPS Satellite Tracking Case Study

In this connected world, data is constantly streaming between devices and across the airwaves, and Gartner predicts that by 2020 there will be 20 billion connected devices communicating with each other. There has also been a boom in wearable tech, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, and it seems as if in the near future nearly every aspect of our lives will be part of the IoT. But with all this fascinating and groundbreaking tech appearing in our lives, the real question is: how do we keep track of it all? And further, how can we take advantage of this network of technology to keep track of our existing assets? Satelicar took it upon themselves to answer this question, developing tailor-made specialist satellite tracking solutions to fit each client and ensure the security of their assets.

Satelicar have a strong commitment to innovative technology and strong roots in R&D. They focus on creating flexible, personalized solutions, ranging from satellite tracking and geolocation to various web-based solutions and mobile apps for both Android and iOS systems. The main services offered by Satelicar are: satellite tracking of vehicles, assets, people, and pets; the development of mobile software, for example, business administration or locating personnel; and integrated solutions for logistics and fleet management. All their services are designed and developed to meet the requirements and specifications of each customer. In the case of satellite tracking, it is essential to have a good connection to send location information, continually and in real-time to a central server. The user can then access a graphical representation of this information on Satelicar’s platform via a computer, tablet or smartphone, providing a powerful analytical tool. As well as the location of the asset, the system includes historical tables of previous routes and key events, for example, excess speeding and sudden braking for a fleet management client.

Satelicar have worked with various M2M connectivity providers who supply M2M data SIM cards for IoT devices. However, their experience with certain providers was not a good one, especially as Satelicar was dependent on the service provided by the operator and had no control over the connectivity of the SIM cards. Saúl Raphael, CEO of Satelicar commented, ‘One of the providers we worked with cut off our service unexpectedly and unilaterally which prompted us to look for alternative options.’ Having searched for alternatives online, they found Pod Group. The main difference between Pod Group and other MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) is that Pod manufacture their own SIM cards and negotiate with operators all over the world to be able to include their IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), or network profile, on the card. This means that Pod, and in turn their customers, have absolute control over the card and its connectivity, instead of simply being resellers of cards like other MVNOs in the market.

Pod Group have developed an application that allows the SIM card to change from one IMSI to another automatically should the card lose signal on one of the networks, therefore maintaining unbroken connectivity. In addition, an OTA (over the air) platform allows instructions to be sent to the device remotely. When Pod Group makes an agreement with a new provider, a new IMSI can be added OTA with better pricing or coverage. The aim of this solution is to allow Pod Group’s customers to regain control of their device connectivity, with the satisfaction of knowing that they are not dependent on any single operator and that they have the flexibility to change the way they connect if desired. Pod Group aim to create long-term relationships with its clients to allow their customers’ businesses to grow. For this reason, the after-sales service is the most important aspect of the business. Pod Group provides continuous account management 20 hours a day and 24/7 emergency support. This is provided by an in-house team of IoT experts who speak a total of nine languages. Saúl Raphael confirms ‘Pod Group provides great service and excellent customer support.’ By owning their own SIM cards, Satelicar have freed themselves from unreliable providers, and with the help of Pod Group they have taken charge of their connectivity, passing the benefit of uninterrupted service on to their customers.