An efficient yet low cost method of tracking vehicles on the ground – such as delivery trucks and vehicles transporting sensitive goods – can be achieved through GSM and GPRS, technologies which are widely available. Using the same technology as mobile phones, DataStar can locate vehicles practically everywhere on land, where there is a mobile telephony tower within range. When coverage is limited, and since GSM technology does not need excessive bandwidth, the system can switch to satellite at a marginally higher cost, and still transmit crucial data needed. In certain applications where constant monitoring, and security, where constant monitoring is imperative and security issue predominate, the system can monitor the location of vehicles every 30 seconds. Overall, the system addresses these important questions that are particularly relevant in transit shipping, insurance and transport fleets:

When...
Did the vehicle/vessel start moving?
Was it tampered with?

What...
Is it close to?
Is its speed?

Where...
Is it at present?
Should it be?

How Long...
Has it stopped?
Will it take to get there?