Orange cell ID service helps ETS track stolen vehicles with pinpoint accuracy

Orange UK today announces that it is the first UK operator to launch a new business service for location solution providers. Called Cell ID, it provides an alternative to GPS for location solution providers to accurately track device location in real-time and retrospectively.

Electronic Tracking Systems (ETS), who manufacture battery powered security tracking devices under the mtrack brand, is one of the first to pilot the product, and is first Orange Cell ID customer. In addition, ADT, the UK's leading provider of electronic fire and security solutions, is using the ETS technology as a part of its Pinpoint Tracking Services offering.

Cell ID gives solution providers details on the Orange GSM network. Combined with their own location application, timing advance and signal strength data, it allows location solution providers to create much more accurate location based services.

For ETS it allows accurate location identification of its mtrack devices within assets such as plant machinery, vehicles, generators or boats, to within 550m.

Angela Harvey, Director, Electronic Tracking Systems (ETS), explains how the company is utilising Cell ID:

''With Cell ID we are able to track assets to within 550m, whereas previously the average distance was around 4.5km and could range up to 11km. As a result our rate of recovery improved from 96% in 2004 to 100% so far this year - that's around £2m of recovered stolen goods.''

""Cell ID has significantly reduced the time recovery personnel need to spend searching for a missing item, lowering costs and helping us return stolen property faster. It has also given our customers and distributors increased confidence that we will retrieve their stolen items.""

Orange is delivering Cell ID in response to strong demand from solution providers and predicts that by 2006 more than 40,000 devices will be tracked using the solution. Cell ID is able to provide a number of services and can be used in fleet vehicles, equipment asset location, personal location solutions, and lone worker tracking.

""Cell ID is an exciting new location enabler that forms part of an expanding Orange location solution portfolio. It is a cost effective component that is ideal for asset tracking solutions,"" comments Melissa Jenkins, M2M product manager, Orange Business Solutions, UK. ""The solution works with existing GSM infrastructure, requires no special hardware and can operate in areas such as enclosed parking where GPS does not function.""

ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF ANNOUNCEMENT

Angela Harvey

Director, Electronic Tracking Systems (ETS) said:

''With Cell ID we are able to track assets to within 550m, whereas previously the average distance was around 4.5km and could range up to 11km. As a result our rate of recovery improved from 96% in 2004 to 100% so far this year - that's around £2m of recovered stolen goods.''