Local mobile operators and GPS providers have begun releasing a spate of tracking and emergency software, ahead of the Christmas period.
Last week, Nashua Mobile, C-track SA and Cell C announced the C-track ICE (In Case of Emergency) cellphone and personal tracking device.
The device comes with an SOS button that, when activated, will “instantly contact the C-track support centre”. It is equipped with a GPS tracker that will allow the call centre to know where customers are.
C-track SA MD Mark Rousseau says C-track ICE also allows the position of the person carrying the device to be continually monitored. The company has traditionally concentrated on the fleet and vehicle tracking market.
The product, including the cellular costs, will come in at R149 per month. The device acts as a controlled cellphone, with access to a certain number of phonebook entries and four quick-dial numbers.
One number will be used for the Cell C 112 emergency number for any other emergency services.
Family watch
Vodacom has released a GPS-based mobile tracking service, called LiveTrack, which allows customers to track friends and family on a WAP-enabled cellphone or a PC via the Internet.
The offering also comes with a specialised device, which continuously transmits information in-real-time via Vodacom's cellular network, and updates movement on the LiveTrack Web site.
This service costs anywhere between R39 and R99 per month, and the device will cost either R799 or R2 186.86, depending on whether a user takes a two-year contract or not.
Hitting the hotspots
Road Angel, a South African GPS solution made by Road Vigil, has also been released, and now updates drivers on hijacking hotspots.
The company says it has included 110 high-risk traffic accident areas, 250 hijacking hotspots and 2 600 fixed and mobile camera speed trap zones. “The Road Angel system helps to improve road safety simply by giving you audible and visual alerts as you approach hazardous parts of the road,” says Road Vigil CEO Kevin Huysteen.
Road Angel Navigator 2000 costs R1 499; however, it does not include an emergency services panic button, or personal tracking.
Danger ahead
The South African holiday period is also notorious for the dramatic number of car accidents that occur. Last year, the Department of Transport reported a total of 733 accidents and 937 deaths nationally over Christmas and New Year.
Operators are likely to receive a good response to the new products, considering the season's concerns around road safety and crime.
Related story:
Vodacom goes tracking
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