Tracking costs set to tumble
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by Patrick Hook • The cost of worldwide vehicle tracking will come down next year with the launch of a new low-orbit satellite network.
Preston-based Leyland Freight plans to link its recently launched V-Sol 98 UK-wide tracking system to the new Iridium network.
V-Sol 98 was introduced in collaboration with software house Vehicle Solutions. "The other satellite systems available at the moment are just far too expensive for most hauliers," says David Isom, IT director for V-Sol 98.
One option, the GSM network, cannot give data coverage beyond national boundaries.
The new system is designed to provide real time tracking information via the Iridium satellite data communications service linked to GPS (a piece of hardware which is designed to locate a vehicle to within 100m).
It is described as a solution for the haulage industry by the haulage industry; Iridium plans to launch a world-wide voice communication service in October, followed by a data service in January 1999.
Tariff details have yet to be released, but Iridium, is expected to place itself somewhere between the charge bands for cellular and satellite services.
The current V-Sol service is available to hauliers for £45 per truck per month plus £55 for the base system.