Are “GPS Trackers with No Subscription Fee” really GPS Trackers?
What a Real-Time GPS Tracker Is
Real-time GPS trackers continuously measure distances to satellites and compute locations. Trackers transmit these locations, as often as every few seconds, in a message sent via a wireless phone network to a central server, which in turn maps the position of the Tracker on a mapping application, typically cloud-based, accessible from a computer or mobile device. Users can see the positions of vehicles and assets in near-real time.
Most Btracking GPS trackers use both GPS and GNSS, and connect to the strongest local network to give users the most accurate positions in real time.
Of course there are ongoing costs associated with providing real time tracking. Besides the cost of the tracker, there’s the cost of sending data messages over a wireless network to a hosting server, the cost of maintaining a tracking application, and the cost of storing the tracking data for a period of time. There’s also the cost of developing a Fleet Management tracking platform and continually upgrading it with robust features such as Btracking.
What a No Subscription Fee Tracker Is
How do these devices actually work?
“No Subscription Fee” trackers have no wireless network modem, sim card or esim, which simply means, the tracking device itself cannot transmit data via a wireless network to a mapping platform. These devices rely on other devices that do have access to a wireless network, to transmit positions. trackers have a bluetooth low energy (BLE) modem that almost continuously broadcasts its unique identifier ID. These devices connect with any iPhone (or in some cases, Android) that has its GPS modem turned on, and is within a radius of approximately 200-300 feet. The iPhone transmits the location data, unique identifier ID, and timestamp via its wireless network to the cloud. The mapping platform receives the data and displays the last known location of the iPhone that the tracker was linked up with.
“No Subscription Fee” trackers are actually NOT GPS trackers. It has no GPS or GNSS modem, which simply means, the tracking device itself cannot acquire a location from GPS/GNSS satellites. These devices instead send the location of the nearby device that it connects with to send the data for it.
Locations will be updated on the mapping platform approximately once every 60 minutes, assuming an iPhone user was within a 200-feet radius of the tracker. Because it’s unknown how many or when location pings will come in to the mapping platform, the platform itself checks (usually) once an hour for new location pings. Some hours may have one or more locations, some hours will have none (i.e., when no iPhone was nearby). Sometimes there is data lag, with location pings coming through belatedly.
Some newer “No Subscription Fee” trackers also have a wifi modem and thus the ability to connect to decentralized wifi networks and transmit data via that network. These trackers will send the location of that wifi transmitter, not the actual location of the tracker.
Benefits and Limitations of a “No Subscription Fee” Tracker
The benefits of this type of device are:
- the tracker incurs no wireless data transmitting costs, because those costs are borne by the owner of the iPhone that it connects with, or by the owner of the decentralized wifi network it connects with
- the device can be smaller and use a smaller battery since it does not need to power a GPS modem or a wireless modem.
The limitations of this type of device are:
- if there are no iPhones or wifi devices within range (200-300 feet) of the tracker, nothing is transmitted to the mapping platform
- there can be data lag
- the location displayed on the mapping platform is actually that of the iPhone or wifi device that the tracker connected with, NOT the tracker itself.
A Note of Caution About the “No Subscription Fee”
Providing a mapping platform has a cost, and if a provider is not charging a subscription fee, they’re paying that cost with revenue from selling trackers. If tracker sales slow down, the provider may have issues paying for the mapping platform.
So What’s Better?
If you need near real-time tracking, reliability, and/or accuracy, a GPS Tracker is the way to go. A GPS Tracker like this offers:
- near real-time tracking
- near-pinpoint location accuracy
- high reliability with locations sent through wireless networks (so they work anywhere there’s a cell signal)
- store & forward capability, i.e., when out of cell signal range, the device stores GPS locations in its memory and transmit those when back in range of a cell signal.
A “No Subscription Fee” tracker (like our BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker, which does have a small subscription fee) can work for you where:
- you’ll be moving in areas where many phone users are nearby
- real-time tracking is not needed
- it’s OK if locations come in once an hour or not at all for long stretches
- high accuracy of locations are not needed
FAQ’s for the Solar Mini Air Tracker (BTAIR)
What is a Bluetooth tracking device?
A Bluetooth tracking device is a small, wireless tool that uses Bluetooth technology to help you locate and monitor valuable items, equipment, or assets. These devices are ideal for short-range tracking and typically pair with mobile devices to display location data in near-real time.
How does the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker differ from other Bluetooth tracking devices?
Unlike standard trackers, the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker combines Bluetooth functionality and Find My network connectivity with GPS for ultra-low power use. It is designed for long-term outdoor asset tracking.
Can I use the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker to track items outdoors?
Yes, the BTAIR Mini Solar Tracker is built specifically for outdoor use. It is weather-resistant, solar-powered, and ideal for tracking tools, bikes, cars, vans, trailers, equipment, construction and agriculture machines, even packages for the logistics industry.
How far can a Bluetooth tracking device reach?
The BTAIR connects via bluetooth with any iPhone or IOS device within 100 to 300-feet. The device it connects with will have a GPS modem and wireless cell network connection to send the data to the mapping platform as long as a cell tower is within range.
Does the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker require a subscription or monthly fee?
The BTMTW Solar Mini Air Tracker includes a one year subscription to the cloud-based tracking platform. After the first year, a subscription is required for a very modest fee.
Is the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker compatible with smartphones or tracking apps?
Yes, the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker integrates seamlessly with the Btracking platform and mobile-friendly web dashboard. It allows you to manage, monitor, and locate all your Bluetooth tracking devices in real time, from anywhere.
How does solar power benefit a Bluetooth tracking device?
The solar panel continually recharges the battery, keeping it fully charged with just a few hours’ sunlight a day. Even if used for extended periods without access to sunlight, the tracker will fully recharge with just a few hours’ sunlight. The battery lasts many years before it needs replacing. This is especially valuable for businesses that require 24/7 tracking without frequent maintenance or battery replacement.
Is the BTAIR Solar Mini Air Tracker easy to install?
Yes, the tracker is lightweight, compact, and simple to affix with a security loop (included) or attach with 2-sided tape on most surfaces.
Can I track multiple Bluetooth devices at once?
Absolutely. The Btracking platform allows you to manage unlimited BTAIR Solar Mini Air Trackers plus all your GPS tracked vehicles, assets and phones on the same platform, making it ideal for asset tracking across large teams or business operations.
