Jan/Feb 2004

In a country the size of the United States, setting up a vehicle tracking and location system is much more of a challenge than in the UK. Apart from anything else, the distances are so vast. In the past, using true satellite communications was the obvious solution, but more and more terrestrial alternatives are emerging.

Among the latest is a system developed in a three-way deal by Telcontar, a major supplier of systems for location-based services, and two other specialists in wireless technologies. One of these is Aircept, a hardware and software supplier offering GPS-based tracking over the Internet; the other is Aeris, a specialist in what is known as machine-to-machine wireless connectivity services.

The special contribution brought by Aeris is its Microburst technology, which involves "aggregating" a range of wireless services to create an optimised wide-area wireless network. Basically it harnesses the networks of cellular analogue and digital networks operated by mobile phone network operators throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, picking the best one at any given time and place.

Also featured in the joint system are Aircept's Mobile Location Unit hardware and Telcontar's Universal Telematics Server, an automated Web and telephony service platform aimed at allowing consumers and enterprises to track and control their vehicles. The company says the system represents a breakthrough level of price, functionality and reliability.

There are no current plans to introduce this particular service into the UK, but aggregation is becoming increasingly a feature of Wi-Fi networks as operators strive to extend their appeal (see Wi-Fi on trains feature, page 14).

• Telcontar has just secured $6.6M of new funding to support its expansion into the market for location-based services. The funding has been supplied purely by existing investors and members of the current management team, and was led by Cardinal Ventures.