More secure by satellite
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• A Finnish-designed security system, which uses satellite communications to monitor the progress and condition of vehicles or containers in transit, is about to become available to UK and European operators.
Manufactured by Peterwell Finland of Helsinki, the system links into the satellite network operated by the International Maritime Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT) which is based in London and has 56 member countries.
The system can determine a vehicle's location, detect whether the doors are being tampered with, and whether sharp internal temperature changes are occurring.
Security devices that cut off the fuel and lock the brakes can be activated.
The driver also has a small pager/keyboard which can relay simple coded messages to the vehicle's owner via the satellite, data transmitting station and central processing unit. There are also links to police and emergency services.
Peterwell expects to have the system available soon for leasing out at slightly more than the charge for a cellular phone, and it wants to establish a service network covering Scandinavia and Europe (including the UK).