Phone system is set to cut tracking cost
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• by Karen Miles
Hauliers who want to track their vehicles could soon face cheaper bills if phone companies go ahead with new systems that operate for a fraction of the cost.
Vodafone is talking to the AA about a breakdown system ill which stranded AA members would ring the organisation with a modified mobile phone—the AA could then pin-point the member's position on a computer map.
This system, which is being developed by Cambridge Positioning Systems, could be sold to hauliers to replace their satellite tracking systems which can cost up to £3,000 per truck plus monthly communication bills.
Any system for hauliers would be implemented via a direct business partnership with CPS (see below).
Hauliers would require a personal computer at the transport depot loaded with digital maps, which are available on the Internet. They would then send a message to their drivers' phones which would automatically respond with a further
message, leading to an accurate location.
The Vodafone/AA project is expected to get the go ahead next month. It would involve slight modifications to the association's network of aerials with £10 upgrades to mobile phones.
Telecommunication experts expect a large number of phone companies to be operating similar systems in a year's lime, whatever Vodafone's immediate decision.
Most current systems make use of an in-cab satellite receiver and a standard mobile phone which sends back location information to the vehicle's home depot.
For more details contact Cambridge Positioning Systems on 01223 326 913.