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MEMBER ADVANTAGES | STRENGTHENING YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Choosing the Right GPS Partner & Explaining

2G, 3G, 4G, LTE

Crash Alerts, National Tow/Impound Lot

Notifications, $10,000 Recovery Warranty

Many options exist today regarding GPS true in many aspects of life today, and in- will be determined in a manner consistent
and payment assurance technology. Every dustries, including this one. Let’s explore with active usage. They will not create hav-
finance provider must determine how ex- the facts. oc for customers currently utilizing the 3G
tensive they wish to engage in this technol- CMDA network, and will therefore not “cut
ogy and what features are best for their par- off” the network at that time. Our industry
ticular operation. In addition to tracking, THE USE OF GPS TODAY IS will migrate to the new 4G LTE platform
you must also evaluate; crash alerts, pay- VERY MUCH MORE THAN JUST and is working with cellular carriers to get
ment reminders, starter interrupt, backup FINDING A VEHICLE. EVEN IF the hardware in place in a timely manner
battery, national tow/impound lot mon- YOU OPERATE LOCATE-ONLY that delivers the best quality and reliability.
itoring, tamper detection, frequent stops SYSTEMS, YOU MUST STILL BE Any comments suggesting that the current
analysis, guaranteed portfolio protection, 3G network will cease at the end of 2019 is
unauthorized vehicle movement, non-re- AWARE OF PROPER USE, IN- simply wrong.
porting notification, compliance awareness FORMATIONAL SECURITY, PER-
and training, unlimited tracking, hardware SONNEL TRAINING, SYSTEM Several GPS Companies today are already
memory capability... need we go on? ACCESS, AND COMPLIANCE, delivery 4G technology. If a company tells
JUST TO NAME A FEW. you they are the only solution available, be
You may not need, or want, all the above, warned! This is simply not true. The same
but do you have these options, and more, thing happened during our move from 2G
available? The use of GPS today is very Remember dial-up Internet? We thought it to 3G. A couple of companies tried to en-
much more than just finding a vehicle. Even was the best thing since sliced bread! Today sue panic and insisted they were the only
if you operate locate-only systems, you we laugh at it. GPS tracking equipment has way forward; the sky was falling, and 2G
must still be aware of proper use, informa- moved from analog, to digital, through 2G, was dead! Well, today, 2G is still in oper-
tional security, personnel training, system 3G, GSM, CDMA, and the future will con- ation and will probably be so into 2020 or
access, and compliance, just to name a few. tinue to bring new acronyms and networks 2021. While the geographic tracking area in
In addition to all the hardware options, op- change to accommodate all the mobile de- rural areas is reduced, the network is still
erational considerations, technical under- vices demanded by consumers. functioning. There is little change in the re-
standing, extensive information reporting, sponse time or coverage of 2G communica-
etc., it truly only benefits you to learn what LTE (Long Term Evolution) is where voice tion in major metropolitan areas and dense
is out there. Do your homework. Knowl- communication is already at, and where population areas. The same type transition
edge will only help you build, and operate, data communication is headed. As the will occur in 3G CDMA. A smooth, man-
a more successful business. We welcome name indicates, with the current support aged transition to 4G LTE will occur. Talk
the opportunity to work one-on-one and by cellular carriers, this network format with your GPS provider to understand this
answer all your questions. should be here for at least a decade. But we transition and check out the information
all know that the only constant is change, given to you.
A one page article is much too short to go right!
into detail on all that encompasses this vast Take note of the first few paragraphs. You
spectrum of GPS technology. The balance Verizon is the largest carrier delivering 3G should be the recipient of quality, informed
of this time will be focused on the latest CDMA communication. Verizon, to date, information and not fear-driven tactics. Be
changing technology facing our industry, has issued no termination date for this sure your provider has your best interest at
cellular carriers and network structure. CDMA network. Personal conversations heart. If we can be of help or offer any fur-
and email exchanges with Verizon reveal ther information, please contact us at info@
Ever heard the saying that “you cannot that a review will begin in 2020 for areas stars-gps.com, or 877-828-4770. Mention
believe anything you hear and only half that use little or no capacity within the code V2378 for special offerings. n
of what you see”. Well, the statement is so current 3G network. Any network changes

THE VIRGINIA INDEPENDENT NEWS | SPRING 2018 | 19