Effortless IoT SIM tracking
for 3IoT users.
No GPS needed.
As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices continues to grow, mobile network operators, like 3 (Three), have started to differentiate their offerings and deliver greater value to their enterprise customers. Traditional GPS tracking solutions can be expensive, consume much battery power, and are often unsuitable for large-scale or indoor deployments.
This creates a clear opportunity to leverage existing SIM infrastructure to offer seamless, low-maintenance global positioning services. Traxmate’s IoT SIM Tracking allows 3 to expand their portfolio by providing simple, scalable, and high-margin location intelligence solutions that require no hardware or software changes on the device side.
A Game-Changer: Traxmate IoT SIM Tracking
Traxmate provides an innovative, platform-independent tracking solution that delivers accurate, real-time location services using only cellular SIM data. There is no need for additional firmware or a mobile app; insert the SIM card, enable the service, and start tracking.
The Traxmate solution enables 3 to offer advanced positioning services as a seamless extension of their existing IoT connectivity offerings.
How It Works
Traxmate’s SIM-based tracking technology utilizes Cell ID data obtained directly from mobile networks. When a SIM-enabled device connects to a cell tower, the network identifies which tower it is communicating with. Traxmate can then calculate the device’s location in real time through integration with the Combain Cell ID service.
The location data is transmitted from the mobile network or IoT platform to Traxmate’s cloud service, where it is visualized and processed. Since no GPS module is necessary, this approach results in lower costs, extended battery life, and superb compatibility with various devices.
The platform supports live and historical tracking, allowing users to monitor device movements, generate reports, and set up geofences to receive alerts when devices enter or leave designated areas. Tracking interval can be selected: 1 postion per day (default) or 1 position per hour. All features are accessible through a web-based dashboard and mobile app.
Why Cell ID Positioning?
While GPS is accurate, it’s also energy-intensive, expensive to integrate, and unreliable indoors or in dense urban environments. Cell ID positioning offers a compelling alternative in many use cases:
~90% lower power consumption than GPS
Better indoor reach, thanks to cell signal penetration
No firmware updates or hardware modifications required
Immediate global scalability using existing SIM networks
This makes it ideal for scalable, secure, and cost-effective tracking across thousands of assets or devices.
Real-World Performance & Accuracy
| Feature | Cell ID Positioning | GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | 50–500 meters (urban optimized) | ~5 meters (clear skies) |
| Indoor Functionality | ✅ Works well | ❌ Often unreliable |
| Power Consumption | 🔋 Very low | 🔋🔋🔋 High |
| Deployment Speed | ⚡ Instant (no firmware) | 🐢 Requires integration |
| Cost per Device | 💸 Low (SIM only) | 💸💸💸 Higher (GPS hardware) |
The 3IoT Integration to Traxmate
3IoT Control Center Positioning Addon
Cisco IoT Control Center (ICC) is a comprehensive platform designed to manage and monitor Internet of Things (IoT) devices at scale. ICC offers several device management features:
- Device Lifecycle Management: ICC provides tools to manage the entire lifecycle of IoT devices, including provisioning, monitoring, and diagnostics. This ensures that devices are correctly configured and maintained throughout their operational life.
- Data Usage Monitoring: The platform allows for real-time monitoring of data, SMS, and voice usage, enabling businesses to track and manage the communication patterns of their IoT devices effectively.
- Automation and APIs: ICC supports automation through configurable rules and offers REST and SOAP APIs, facilitating seamless integration with other systems and enabling automated responses to specific device behaviors or conditions.
- Security Features: The platform includes multi-layered security measures to protect IoT devices and data, such as authentication, encryption, and access control policies. These features help ensure the confidentiality and integrity of IoT communications.
You can find more information about ICC here.
Cisco’s global IoT connectivity platform provides secure SIM management and lifecycle control. Traxmate enhances this by offering Cell ID-based positioning, which enables real-time and historical tracking. This ready-made integration allows MNOs and MVNOs to quickly activate location services across their SIM portfolio with minimal effort.
This joint solution’s users already have everything needed to track all their connected devices. We only need to turn on the service.
Key Features & Benefits
Device-agnostic, GPS-Free Tracking
- Works with any device with an active SIM.
- No app or firmware installation is needed.
- Extremely low battery consumption.
Global & Indoor-Ready Positioning
- Cell ID positioning with worldwide coverage.
- Seamless indoor and outdoor functionality.
- Accuracy ranges between 50–500 meters.
Real-Time Monitoring & Alerts
- Live and historical tracking views.
- Create geofences and get automatic alerts.
Scalable SaaS Platform
- Fully cloud-hosted, no on-prem setup required.
- Intuitive web dashboards and mobile access.
- Scales to support thousands of devices effortlessly.
Common Use Cases & Their Value
Supply Chain & Logistics
- Track assets worldwide, even in areas where GPS fails (ports, containers, tunnels).
- Reduce theft, delays, and loss with real-time positioning and historical movement logs.
- Improve ETA predictions and route optimization using basic SIM connectivity.
Infrastructure Monitoring & Smart Cities
- Monitor connected public infrastructure (e.g., e-scooters, parking meters, smart bins).
- Track fleet operations and usage patterns across urban environments.
- Enable automated maintenance cycles based on location and movement.
Enterprise Asset Monitoring
- Manage extensive inventories of tools, machinery, and vehicles across multiple sites.
- Prevent theft and loss in industries like construction and manufacturing.
- Receive geofence alerts when equipment is moved outside designated zones.
Workforce Safety & Management
- Monitor the location of employees in hazardous environments (mines, oil rigs, remote fields).
- Enable mustering and zoning alerts to support emergency evacuations or compliance.
- Improve lone worker protection with minimal device power usage.
Get Started Today
Bring location intelligence to your IoT connectivity services. Whether your use case, Traxmate offers a simple yet powerful way to gain visibility, increase efficiency, and grow your offering.
Already a user of 3 SIM IoT Tracking Service?
Everything is prepared for you! Sign up here and start tracking your devices.
Not yet, but need this?
Contact us, and we will guide you in setting up an account with 3 SIM IoT Tracking Service and Traxmate to enable positioning for all your IoT customers.