SIM Location Lookup - How does this work?

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

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

This service allows you to request an estimated SIM location through the SIMcontrol website. Location data is based on the tower being connected to, and not on network triangulation. Accuracy varies depending on the tower density in the area. Accuracy is usually 500m+ but can be up to a few KM's in rural areas. 

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 and the last recent location will be shown if available.
• 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. Time stamp is shown in GMT (ZA-2hrs). 

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

Tags: LBS, GPS, Location