Vodafone Launches High-Precision Satellite Tracking Technology With Resolution of 10 cm

Vodafone tested a new satellite tracking technology that works with its Internet of Things (IoT) platform to track vehicles, drones and cargo with an accuracy of 10 cm. The company stated that this is a huge improvement. In comparison to the current standard satellite system, it has an accuracy of 3 meters (300 cm).

Vodafone's Sapcorda Really Differs

First, Vodafone will use Sapcorda's enhanced satellite tracking technology and its own IoT platform on vehicles. Say, medical staff can accurately track the location of drones carrying blood and other supplies.

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Justin Shields, director of Vodafone’s business platforms and solutions, commented when asked about this satellite tracking technology:

We might not be able to locate a needle in a haystack yet, but we are getting close. What we can do now is take new digital services like this one, integrate it with our global IoT platform and fast networks, and offer it securely at scale to many millions of customers. Our in-building 5G and IoT services already allow manufacturing plants, research laboratories and factories to carry out critical, and often hazardous, precision work with robots. Now we are applying the same levels of accuracy to the outdoor world.

By coupling Vodafone’s IoT platform with Sapcorda’s Global Navigation System Service (GNSS), any inaccuracies caused by the curvature of the earth, the atmosphere and the clock differences on the satellites can be resolved. In combination with video and on-board diagnostic systems, vehicle operators can remotely inspect and suspend machines when needed.

The company did not announce the price of the new satellite tracking technology and the service. It only said it will complement the existing solutions to commercial customers in 54 countries.