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
- Play “NEW” prepaid: account validity is indefinite; data bundles 1GB ≈ PLN 5 or 6GB ≈ PLN 25, also indefinite. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18450650]
- EU roaming allowance is reduced vs domestic; e.g., 6GB becomes around 2.3GB abroad. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18450811]
- Typical tracker traffic: several–a dozen MB/day; frames are dozens of bytes; prefer 1 kB billing. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]
- Many trackers can send location by SMS, so mobile data isn’t required. [Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451040]
- Caution: a Play domestic‑only promo can block your roaming package; disabling took hours. [Elektroda, Przemek7, post #18456229]
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.
- Enable SMS location mode in the device app or via SMS commands.
- Remove or disable the APN/mobile data in tracker settings.
- Test by requesting a location via SMS and confirm replies.
[Elektroda, tino2003, post #18451040]
