02-25-2021, 12:28 PM
Searched the forum but couldn't find any comment on such devices.
A friend who will be making a trip to where theft is a know problem asked me about trackers, but my knowledge of the subject is quite shallow: there is (the best-known ?) GlobalStar/Spot device which operates entirely on their own hybrid (terrestrial+satellite) network, but is pricey, especially when the monthly service fee is factored in.
Other than Spot, there is a variety of devices, all of two distinct types: those that have built-in SIM card and operate in cooperation with selected, often regional mobile telephony company(ies), and devices where the user is providing the SIM card and the device communicates with the owner via SMS messages and/or SIM's data traffic. The former type always requires a service contract with the device vendor, the latter often (but not always) does nor. The type that works with owner provided SIM seems to be more likely to be operational world-wide (provided of course one can obtain local pre-paid SIM in the country visited). There are also some privacy concerns when a complete travel log is left in the service operator's possession.
Is my general understanding of the technology correct? Is there someone here that has practical experience with a particular device vendor/service operator he would be willing to share?
TIA,
A friend who will be making a trip to where theft is a know problem asked me about trackers, but my knowledge of the subject is quite shallow: there is (the best-known ?) GlobalStar/Spot device which operates entirely on their own hybrid (terrestrial+satellite) network, but is pricey, especially when the monthly service fee is factored in.
Other than Spot, there is a variety of devices, all of two distinct types: those that have built-in SIM card and operate in cooperation with selected, often regional mobile telephony company(ies), and devices where the user is providing the SIM card and the device communicates with the owner via SMS messages and/or SIM's data traffic. The former type always requires a service contract with the device vendor, the latter often (but not always) does nor. The type that works with owner provided SIM seems to be more likely to be operational world-wide (provided of course one can obtain local pre-paid SIM in the country visited). There are also some privacy concerns when a complete travel log is left in the service operator's possession.
Is my general understanding of the technology correct? Is there someone here that has practical experience with a particular device vendor/service operator he would be willing to share?
TIA,