Car Business

Have cars. Going to buy a car. Good news for you.The telecom watchdog has moved to introduce the vehicle-tracking system, good news for car owners, bad for thieves.

The system can locate any car of its owner or a third party if it installs a GPS (global positioning system) transponder.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) yesterday posted a guideline on its website to award licences for the vehicle-tracking system to mobile and WiMax operators.

The vehicle tracking system is a value-added service provided through a GPS transponder, which helps track the vehicle's movement and other activities while both in stationary and running modes.

The system is a convergence of an onboard automotive device, wireless communication and GPS to track vehicles via digital mapping application and reporting information system by using a web-interface, mobile phone and/or computer network.

GPS consists of 32 satellites in different orbits around the world. At any given time, a number of satellites are in view in any place on the earth. A GPS receiver receives information from these satellites and uses it to locate itself.

This service can also be provided through location-based service (LBS) on the mobile network's ability to locate the geographical position of the SIM subscriber identification module (SIM) or mobile device without employing GPS.

The service allows authorities to set rules against "speed violations" and "harsh braking" and helps implement discipline against the drivers. It reduces the possibilities of rough and dangerous driving and unauthorised vehicle use.

A GPS transponder means a portable device mounted on a vehicle, which acquires vehicle data (position and condition), and transmits data via wireless networks to a designated vehicle-tracking server.

In line with the licensing guideline, vehicle tracking service information is restricted by the subscriber's privacy and confidentiality, which means information can only be disseminated according to a subscription agreement.

In case of requests from law-enforcement agencies, tracking process will be followed. All the licensees will have to follow this privacy and confidentially with utmost priority, the guideline emphasises.

"The system could be minimise carjacking and help build customer confidence to own a car as well," said Abdul Haque, former president of Bangladesh Association of Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers.