SIM Location Lookup - How does this work?

For specific types of M2M and IoT devices the location lookup functionality (also called LBS or Location Based Services) may be enabled on SIMcontrol. 

This service is available for select approved use cases on Managed Private APN SIMs only (not public APN / prepaid) on Vodacom SA or MTN SA SIMs. 

If you are a tracking company that needs to do VSS certification, please contact our support team to request the location testing requirements and playbook. 

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This service allows you to request an estimated SIM location through the SIMcontrol platform. LBS uses cell tower identifiers from Radius Accounting Update messages to query external databases (e.g., Mozilla, Unwired Labs, Google) that map cell towers to GPS locations. This service does not perform triangulation, as it does not have access to signal strength, angle of arrival, or timing advance. Instead, it relies on the cell tower identifier (Cell ID) to query external databases for an approximate location.

Accuracy varies depending on the tower density in the area. Inherent Inaccuracies:

Crowdsourced Data: The accuracy of the database depends on the density of GPS-enabled devices contributing data in a given area. Sparse data can lead to less accurate location estimates.

Tower Coverage: Cell towers have varying coverage areas (e.g. 500 meters to several kilometers), which can result in location estimates that are only accurate to within a large radius.

Database Updates: Databases may not always reflect recent changes in tower locations or new towers, leading to outdated information.

The accuracy of the location estimate also depends on the type of radio technology (2G, 3G, 4G, etc) and the density of cell towers in the area. With older technologies being phased out (tower thinning) we see accuracy decrease constantly for 2G and 3G devices.

Best Practices for Improving Accuracy

Use LTE Networks: Whenever possible, ensure the device is connected to an LTE network for the highest accuracy.

Urban vs. Rural Areas: Accuracy is generally better in urban areas due to higher tower density.

Multiple Queries: Perform multiple location lookups by forcing the device to connect to different towers.

Combine Data Sources: Use multiple databases (e.g., Mozilla, Unwired Labs, Google) to cross-reference and validate location estimates.

Important: 

• A location lookup will only be possible if the device is powered on, connected to the mobile network (i.e. within signal range) and has a recent live data session.
• If a device is switched off or out of range no updated location can be retrieved.
• To refresh the latest tower location, the device needs to re-establish a "fresh" data session. On the SIM Actions menu, click on "Disconnect SIM". This will only be visible if a SIM is currently in session. 
  
  

To find a SIM's estimated location:

From the SIMs screen, click on the SIM number in you would like to look up.

Under "SIM Actions", click on the "Check SIM location" button.

Location result: 

If no new location can be retrieved, it will return an error message. If a location can be retrieved, it will show a map location. A Lat/Long and time stamp is also shown. 

Please contact our support team if you would like to apply for activation of the SIM location service. 

Tags: LBS, GPS, Location