Vodacom and Tracker Optimize Tracking Solution with Embedded SIM

Vodacom Business was launched in February 2008 and offers a total communications service portfolio to corporate customers. Vodacom Business has invested in significant infrastructure and has a Tier 1 internet network capability as well as a corporate grade national MPLS VPN.

Following its merger with MobileData in 2007, the Tracker of today is a highly sophisticated technology company offering leading edge Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) and Fleet Management/Telematics solutions to both individuals and companies throughout Southern Africa. Tracker’s SVR technology is currently in use in 30 countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Russia, Italy, Columbia, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.

Challenges

Since Tracker’s inception in South Africa in 1996, the company has recovered some 47 000 stolen and hijacked vehicles which has resulted in over 8,000 arrests – the most, on either score, of any vehicle tracking company on the continent.

As vehicle tracking is becoming increasingly prevalent in South Africa, Vodacom, together with Tracker and Sierra Wireless has launched a world first with the introduction of a next generation SIM card for vehicle tracking, based on the Embedded SIM technology from Sierra Wireless.

Solution

The Embedded SIM component was designed and developed by Wavecom, now part of Sierra Wireless, a leading provider of wireless solutions for M2M (machine-to-machine) communication and mobile computing. This new technology will be deployed by Vodacom and will be used by Tracker, South Africa’s leading stolen vehicle recovery and fleet management company. Vodacom provides Tracker with its network services.

Sierra Wireless’ innovative Embedded SIM is a unique solution which embeds the SIM function into the wireless module at the component level, eliminating the use of the traditional plastic SIM card thus reducing the ability for third parties to tamper with the SIM card.

Wally Beelders, Executive Director of Vodacom Business says, "This is a revolutionary innovation and we’re excited to be the first network operator to have this product commercially available in South Africa. Tracker will also be the first vehicle tracking company to offer Sierra Wireless’ new technology as part of their tracking device".

The Embedded SIM-enabled devices are able to operate in extreme temperatures and are resistant to vibration. Its characteristics fit perfectly the vehicle tracking industry, as it reduces the chance of the SIM being stolen and used for other purposes, while also reducing the space required for the tracking device, making it smaller and easier to install.

The Sierra Wireless Embedded SIM higher temperature and vibration specifications make the customer’s device more reliable and allow them to stay ahead regarding the stringent requirements from vehicle manufacturers.