Why Personal Alarms Still Matter in 2025 – A Guide for Families and Carers in Australia

Last updated: May 2025 to reflect the 4G network change and current product options.

When you're responsible for someone vulnerable, an elderly parent, a child with support needs, or even yourself, peace of mind isn’t optional. A personal safety alarm gives you more than just tracking. It gives you confidence that help is only a button away.

In a world that’s moving faster than ever, simple tools that help people live independently, safely, and with dignity are still worth discussing.

What Is a Personal Alarm, and Who Uses It?

Personal alarms are small wearable devices that send an alert or call for help when someone is in trouble. In Australia, they’re commonly used by:

• Older Australians who live alone or are at risk of falls
• Children who wander or need extra support
• People with memory loss or medical conditions
• Families and carers wanting peace of mind

Why 4G Personal Alarms Are the New Standard

3G networks have shut down across Australia. All modern personal alarms must now use 4G for mobile coverage and alerts. This means faster and more reliable safety devices, with broader support into the future.

The 4G Personal Safety Pendant with Two-Way Calling is one of our most trusted solutions. It’s simple to use, works with any 4G SIM card, and doesn’t require a smartphone or mobile app.

How the 4G Pendant Works

Here’s what happens when someone presses the SOS button:

• The pendant calls and texts the first four emergency contacts
• GPS coordinates are sent in the text message
• You can speak directly through the pendant’s speaker
• Fall detection is available as an optional feature

There are no apps or subscriptions. You insert a SIM and you're ready to go. We recommend Telstra or Optus for strong 4G coverage across Australia.

Why Families Choose It

Our customers tell us they love this model because:

• It’s easy to use one big SOS button, the Information screen, and Voice prompts
• It works across Australia with Telstra 4G coverage
• Clear voice quality and two-way calling
• No monthly service fees from us — just your SIM plan

When a Personal Alarm Makes the Difference

One customer shared how her dad had a fall outside. His phone was inside, but he was wearing the pendant. He pressed the SOS button, and she received an SMS with his location by text. She called him through the pendant and sent help within minutes.

That’s why people buy personal alarms not just for emergencies, but for everyday peace of mind.

Is a Personal Alarm Still Worth It in 2025?

Yes. If someone you care about could fall, get lost, or need urgent help without warning, a personal alarm is still one of the best solutions. You don’t need a smartphone or complex apps; you need a fast, simple way to call for help when it matters.

Need Safety Coverage Beyond 4G?

If you’re working or adventuring far from mobile towers, a traditional 4G personal alarm may not be enough. In those cases, we recommend satellite GPS safety devices that work anywhere in Australia, even off-grid. These use satellite networks like Iridium or Globalstar to send SOS alerts from remote sites, outback stations, or on the water.

Want to compare 4G and satellite options? Talk to our team.  We’ll help you find the right safety solution based on where and how the device will be used.

Need Help Choosing the Right Personal Alarm?

Contact the Keep Track GPS team. If you're unsure what suits your situation best, we've been helping Australian families and carers since 2016 with GPS tracking and safety solutions that work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal alarm, and who should use one?

Personal alarms are wearable safety devices that allow someone to call for help in an emergency. They’re commonly used by seniors, children, lone workers, or anyone who may need urgent assistance without access to a mobile phone.

How do personal alarms work?

When the SOS button is pressed, the device sends calls and text alerts to pre-set contacts — often including a GPS location link. Some alarms also support two-way voice calls so the wearer can speak directly with family or carers.

Are all personal alarms now 4G?

Yes. With the shutdown of 3G networks in Australia, all new personal alarms must now support 4G mobile coverage. Our devices are tested to work on the Telstra and Optus networks for national reliability.

Are there monthly fees for Keep Track GPS personal alarms?

No ongoing fees from us. Our alarms are self-managed — just insert a prepaid SIM with calls, texts, and data. We recommend Telstra or Optus for coverage across Australia.

Do Keep Track GPS personal alarms include fall detection?

Some models, like our 4G Personal Safety Pendant, include optional fall detection. If enabled, the device can detect a sudden drop and automatically send an SOS alert. Fall detection is helpful, but should always be tested for accuracy.

Can I wear a personal alarm in the shower or in the rain?

Our 4G Pendant is splash-resistant — suitable for light rain or washing hands. It’s not rated for shower use or submersion. If you need a fully waterproof model, contact us for options.

How often do personal alarms need charging?

Battery life depends on usage. Our 4G Pendant typically lasts 2–3 days on standby and may need daily charging if used frequently. We recommend charging it each night to be safe.

Can family members call the personal alarm directly?

Yes. Most of our devices have their own phone number. Emergency contacts can call the pendant, and the user can answer by pressing the SOS button,  just like a mobile phone.

Are personal alarms compatible with the NBN?

Yes, as long as you use a 4G mobile-based alarm (not landline-connected). Our personal alarms are not affected by the NBN because they work independently of home phone services.

Will my personal alarm work overseas?

Our alarms are designed for Australian 4G networks. They may not work overseas unless the destination uses compatible frequencies. Always check with us first before travelling.

Are there government-funded personal alarms available?

Some programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) may offer funding for alarms. Keep Track GPS is not an NDIS service provider, but we’re happy to help you choose a device for private or funded use.

How do I choose the right personal alarm in 2025?

Start with the user. Do they need fall detection, voice calling, or just basic alerts? Think about coverage, comfort, and how tech-savvy they are. If you’re unsure, contact Keep Track GPS — we’ll help you pick the right fit.