Vodacom has launched LiveTrack, a GPS-based personal tracking service that allows people to track friends and family on a WAP-enabled cellphone or a PC via the Internet.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnlike other tracking products that can only locate people within a specific radius, LiveTrack can pinpoint their location exactly thanks to the GPS component of this product,\u201d Vodacom said in a press statement.<\/p>\n
LiveTrack uses a small tracking device that the customer keeps on him at all times. This GPS device continuously transmits information in-real time via Vodacom\u2019s cellular network, and updates movement on the LiveTrack website. It contains an SOS button, which if pressed, sends SMSs to pre-defined numbers of friends or family, notifying them of their location.<\/p>\n
LiveTrack includes the real-time location of a person in an emergency, notification of movement and speed violations, and the ability to request immediate assistance. It can also be used to ensure that the person being tracked remains within or outside of a pre-determined geographical location over a certain time period \u2014 for example, that a child remains within a 500m radius of his school during the day. Users can even view the history of a person\u2019s movements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve brought the LiveTrack GPS tracking service to our customers with a built-in SOS button to help keep parents, family and friends informed of where their loved ones are\u201d says Shameel Joosub, Managing Director, Vodacom South Africa. \u201cThis unique innovation brings accurate GPS tracking and cellular communication together for the benefit of our customers\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cParents will be able to keep a closer eye on their children, and employers can use this solution to keep track of drivers and employees on the move,\u201d Joosub says.<\/p>\n
Two tracking devices are available as part of the LiveTrack Contract options: the ST100 and the ST150. The former has 70 hours standby time and has four speed dial buttons while the latter has 150 hours standby time and a motion-detector sensor.<\/p>\n
The ST100 is ideal for the SMME market where it is essential to keep in contact with staff while keeping call costs low. The ST100 gives the SMME owner or manager the ability to define the four speed dial buttons, so staff is able to dial these numbers when required. The ST150 is more suited for applications that do not require constant voice communication and where longer battery life is required.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis personal tracking service is only the first component of the LiveTrack suite of services to the market. LiveTrack is a joint venture between Vodacom and SelfTrack; a Johannesburg-based company that has developed a significant lead in this area,\u201d Vodacom said.<\/p>\n
Pricing starts at R 39.00 per month for the basic ST100 or ST150 service on a month to month contract where the device costs are R 2186.86 and R 2870.86 respectively.\u00a0 There are also 24 month contracts available where the basic fee is R 99.00 per month, and where the device pay-ins are R 799.00 and R 1489.00 respectively.<\/p>\n
Vodacom LiveTrack<\/strong><\/a> – comments and views<\/p>\n\n\t\t