logo elektroda
logo elektroda
X
logo elektroda

The cheapest way to "maintain" GPS locator on the SIM card, the cheape

fonexpl 21429 12
ADVERTISEMENT
Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #1 18450610
    fonexpl
    Level 4  
    Hello, I need to place GPS locators in several trucks that work on the basis of a sim card. How to do it the cheapest now? I mean which SIM card to choose and what tariffs to use in it? The locator must connect to the Internet both in Poland and abroad (European Union). What kind of starters to use? I would like to add that something without the account validity limit would be useful, so that you do not have to watch over when to top up a given starter.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #2 18450650
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group
    The Play tariff is NEW, the account is valid indefinitely, 1GB internet package for PLN 5 or 6GB for PLN 25 also valid indefinitely.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #3 18450728
    fonexpl
    Level 4  
    And such an internet package will also work abroad?
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #4 18450764
    redi3k
    Level 7  
    From what I have seen, these are sim cards intended for telemetry on the Allegro, for example with orange.
  • #5 18450811
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group
    fonexpl wrote:
    And such an internet package will also work abroad?


    It will work, however, appropriately reduced, for 6GB of domestic roaming is around 2.3GB.
  • #6 18450889
    fonexpl
    Level 4  
    Does anyone know what package per month is enough for such a locator? 1 GB is enough for a month?
  • #7 18451040
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group
    fonexpl wrote:
    Does anyone know what package per month is enough for such a locator? 1 GB is enough for a month?


    I do not know what the locator is, but they usually work on the principle that the location is sent by SMS and data transmission is not needed.
  • #8 18451055
    agrikol
    Level 10  
    And not the best lyca mobile? They work all over Europe and have pretty good packages.
  • #9 18451129
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group
    Not better, because the 1GB package in Lyca costs PLN 15 and is valid only for 30 days.
  • #10 18451185
    agrikol
    Level 10  
    But if he is passing through a non-European country, he can pay a really large amount for the used GB.
  • ADVERTISEMENT
  • #11 18451229
    tino2003
    Admin of GSM Group
    agrikol wrote:
    But if he is passing through a non-European country, he can pay a really large amount for the used GB.


    Will not pay with layca?

    There are also countries in Europe that do not belong to the EU and have space prices.
  • #12 18452838
    agrikol
    Level 10  
    That is why Lyca does the trick because it works in all countries at the same rates for GB of the Internet. I do not simply praise the experience of traveling in the EU and the Balkan countries, I know that I do not expose myself to additional costs.
  • #13 18456229
    Przemek7
    Level 19  
    Be careful with domestic GB promotional packages in Play. The national promotional package blocked my "normal" roaming package. Ie I was left without internet abroad and turning off the promotional package took hours ...


    I do not know how often you need to receive data from the tracker, but the average transmission consumption should be several / several MB per day. (one data frame is several dozen bytes) It is important that the transmission tariffication is in single kilobytes and not, for example, 100 kB, ie (100,000 B counted for the transmission of 70 B).
    Important where expensive internet - outside the EU, etc.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around finding the most cost-effective SIM card and tariff options for GPS locators installed in trucks, which need to function both in Poland and across the European Union. Users suggest the Play tariff, which offers an indefinite validity account with options for 1GB at PLN 5 or 6GB at PLN 25. However, concerns are raised about the effectiveness of these packages abroad, particularly regarding reduced data allowances for roaming. Alternatives like Lycamobile are mentioned, noted for their extensive European coverage, though they have a higher cost for data packages. Users emphasize the importance of understanding data consumption for GPS locators, which typically send location data via SMS rather than requiring constant internet connectivity. Caution is advised regarding promotional packages that may interfere with roaming services.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: For EU GPS tracking, roaming fair‑use reduces domestic data (6GB ≈ 2.3GB); "It will work, however, appropriately reduced." This FAQ shows cheap SIM picks, data needs, and roaming pitfalls for truck fleets. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18450811]

Why it matters: Picking the right SIM, package, and roaming setup prevents surprise bills while keeping fleet trackers online across the EU.

Quick Facts

What’s the cheapest SIM to keep a GPS tracker active long‑term?

Use Play’s “NEW” prepaid. The account validity is indefinite, so you avoid recurring top‑ups just to keep it alive. Data bundles are inexpensive: 1GB around PLN 5, or 6GB around PLN 25. Those bundles also keep validity indefinitely. That reduces maintenance overhead for fleet trackers. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18450650]

Will Play’s data packages work in the EU, and how much data will I get?

Yes. "It will work, however, appropriately reduced." A 6GB domestic package yields about 2.3GB usable in EU roaming under fair‑use. Plan your reporting interval to match the reduced allowance. Always check the roaming pool before trips. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18450811]

How much data does a truck GPS tracker actually use per day or month?

Typical usage is several to a dozen MB per day. One data frame is only dozens of bytes, so billing increments matter a lot. Target plans with 1 kB increments to avoid 100 kB rounding. At 10 MB/day, 1 GB lasts about 100 days. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]

Is 1 GB per month enough for a GPS locator?

Often yes. With several MB per day, a month totals only a few hundred MB. That fits under a 1 GB allowance with room to spare. If your tracker reports very frequently or uploads extras, usage rises. Test your configuration for a week to confirm. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]

Can I run my tracker using SMS only, without mobile data?

Yes. Many trackers support SMS‑only location replies, so data isn’t required. "They usually work on the principle that the location is sent by SMS." Check your device manual or app for SMS mode. Compare per‑SMS costs if you poll often. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451040]

Are telemetry/IoT SIMs (e.g., Orange on Allegro) worth it for trackers?

They exist and target telemetry use. Users report telemetry SIM cards available on Allegro, including Orange options. Consider them if you need purpose‑built M2M service or specific terms. Compare pricing and roaming against mainstream prepaid before committing. [Elektroda, redi3k, post #18450764]

Is Lycamobile good for EU and Balkan roaming for trackers?

Some users favor Lycamobile for broad European travel. One report says it "works in all countries at the same rates" for data, including EU and Balkan routes. Verify current roaming terms and fair‑use before deploying fleetwide. [Elektroda, agrikol, post #18452838]

How much does Lycamobile 1 GB cost, and how long is it valid?

According to user pricing, Lyca’s 1GB package costs about PLN 15 and lasts 30 days. If you need indefinite validity, that may not fit. Balance roaming convenience against recurring renewals. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451129]

How do I prevent bill shock if my trucks enter non‑EU countries?

Treat non‑EU roaming as high‑risk for costs. Some European countries are outside the EU and have very high (“space”) prices. Before border crossings, cap data or restrict roaming. Consider switching to SMS reporting near non‑EU zones. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451229]

Why did my tracker lose data abroad after I added a domestic‑only promotion?

A domestic‑only promo can interfere with your roaming allowance. One user’s promotional national package "blocked my 'normal' roaming package." Disabling it restored roaming but took hours. Avoid stacking domestic‑only promos before travel. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]

What billing granularity should I look for to keep data costs low?

Choose plans that tariff data in single kilobytes. Avoid offers that round each session to 100 kB. Trackers send tiny frames, so coarse rounding inflates usage and cost. This choice materially impacts fleet OPEX. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]

How do I set up my tracker to avoid data charges?

Use SMS‑only mode if your device supports it.
  1. Enable SMS location mode in the device app or via SMS commands.
  2. Remove or disable the APN/mobile data in tracker settings.
  3. Test by requesting a location via SMS and confirm replies. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451040]
Generated by the language model.
ADVERTISEMENT