November 19, 2019 2 min read
Telstra has announced they will be switching off the 3G mobile network [Next G] in June 2024. While this is still a while away, they are making the announcement now, so their customers have plenty of time to switch to newer devices if they have a 3G-only device.
Between now and then, they will be upgrading and expanding their 4G coverage to a materially equivalent size and reaching their 3G footprint.
They launched the 3G network in 2006, and it was innovative technology at the time. They now offer their customers extensive 4G coverage, which provides vastly better data speeds and an improved customer experience.
The telco said this in a blog post. We are working to assess our product range and all current areas with 3G-only coverage to give their customers the best possible experience on 4G and 5G."
As customers increasingly move from 3G to take up the benefits of newer technology, they will be repurposing the 850 MHz spectrum, currently used to provide 3G coverage, to support their 5G rollout.
The last time the telco shut down a network was in 2016 with the closure of its 2G network. There was far less lead time for the implementation of that decision, with it only being announced in 2014. This time around, Australians have over four years to prepare.
Any GPS tracking devices utilising 3G (NextG) 850MHz modules will cease functioning in June 2024.
To continue using the Telstra network in Australia, all GPS tracking devices must utilise a modem or module that is at least compatible with LTE Band 28 (700 MHz), which Telstra refers to as 4GX.
For optimal performance Keep Track GPS recommends customers deploy 4G CAT-M1 GPS trackers to provide maximum coverage.
As of October 2019, the Telstra LTE Band 28 (700 MHz) network covers 99.2% of the population, and there are plans in place to increase coverage to have network parity with the current 3G network before June 2024.
While Telstra is maintaining the NextG network until June 2024, you may notice a reduction in coverage in some areas where tuning and re-farming is taking place.
Customers with 3G GPS vehicle trackers, personal alarms can either upgrade to a 4G device or change their SIM cards if compatible frequency permits to another provider, Optus or Vodafone, who have not announced shutdown dates yet.
If you are not a Keep Track GPS customer and are interested in upgrading your GPS tracking devices to a 4G version, please contact us at info@keeptrackgps.com.au
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December 05, 2023 3 min read
The authorised driver feature controls the vehicle’s ignition, preventing any uncertified drivers from starting the engine until a valid ID is scanned. Therefore, only authorised operators are able to start your vehicles. Each time an RFID tag is swiped on the reader to start a vehicle, the tag ID is logged on the GPS tracking system, and all the tracking data is associated with the active driver.
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For businesses, asset management is a crucial aspect of operations. GPS tracking allows for the real-time monitoring of valuable assets, such as machinery, cargo, and equipment. This minimises the risk of theft or misplacement, reducing downtime and financial losses.
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GPS solutions for caravan security are easy to install and use. Most devices can be easily attached to your caravan and activated with a simple click of a button. The tracking software is also user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to monitor the location of their caravan.
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