Combain partner Traxmate displaying devices with SIM cards from one of their customers.
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Network operators are crucial in providing location services for emergency response (e.g., E911, AML), IoT applications, and location-based services for businesses and consumers. However, they face challenges due to:
- Dependence on GPS, which struggles in urban environments and indoors.
- Regulatory requirements for emergency location accuracy.
- Demand for low-power geolocation services for IoT and mobile networks.
- Increased competition from OTT (over-the-top) services providing location data without carrier involvement.
Solution:
Combain Operator positioning services
Combain enables telecom operators to offer carrier-grade positioning services as an alternative to GNSS. By utilizing cellular and WiFi signals, Combain provides:
- Cell ID positioning with one of the industry’s largest crowdsourced databases
- Seamless network-based geolocation services for emergency response and IoT tracking.
- AI-powered positioning algorithms that enhance accuracy in indoor environments.
- Low-power location solutions for IoT devices, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life.
- Seamless integration with existing telecom infrastructure to enable value-added services for subscribers.
Real-World Use Case
Combain’s Cell ID in Scalable IoT SIM Tracking Solutions
Combain’s Cell ID positioning is a key enabler of platform-independent IoT tracking solutions. A great example of this is our collaboration with Traxmate, a global provider of location tracking services. Traxmate has integrated Combain’s advanced Cell ID positioning into their IoT SIM Tracking solution, offering seamless and scalable tracking without the need for GPS, apps, or custom firmware.
Through this solution, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) can easily offer location services using just SIM data — making it possible to track anything from logistics assets to vehicles and IoT devices. The solution is already successfully interfaced with Cisco’s IoT Control Center, enabling seamless integration for customers using the Cisco IoT platform.
Thanks to its open, platform-agnostic architecture, the combined Traxmate SIM Tracking and Combain Cell ID solution can also be seamlessly integrated with any IoT connectivity platform.
How it Works:
SIM-Based IoT Tracking with Combain and partner Traxmate.
Benefits
There are several benefits for a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) when using Combain for positioning services. Since Combain specializes in alternative wireless-based positioning technologies, particularly cellular and WiFi-based positioning, here’s how we add value:
1. Enhanced Location-Based Services (LBS)
- Improve network-driven location services for devices without relying solely on GPS.
- Improved accuracy for Cell ID positioning, as the Combain Location API is based on actual measured training data, not cell tower location.
- Enable seamless indoor/outdoor positioning, ideal for urban and dense environments where GPS struggles.
- Provide low-power positioning for IoT devices, extending battery life.
2. Cost Reduction & Efficiency
- Reduce network signaling costs by optimizing location updates without overloading network infrastructure.
- Minimize data usage for positioning by using efficient algorithms instead of constant GPS pings.
- Improve network resource allocation by optimizing location-aware services.
3. Alternative & Redundant Positioning
- Backup for GPS outages (e.g., tunnels, urban canyons, or deliberate jamming scenarios).
- Offer emergency positioning support when GPS is unavailable, aligning with E911, AML, and regulatory mandates.
- Enhance location accuracy indoors where GPS signals are weak or unreliable.
4. Monetization Opportunities
- Sell value-added location services to enterprise customers (e.g., logistics, fleet management, smart city applications).
- Provide premium geolocation APIs for partners, developers, and IoT applications.
- Leverage advertising and geofencing solutions for retail and marketing.
5. Compliance & Regulatory Support
- Ensure regulatory compliance for emergency services like E911, AML (Advanced Mobile Location), and lawful interception.
- Provide privacy-compliant positioning solutions that reduce dependence on end-user GPS.
6. IoT & Asset Tracking Capabilities
- Enable low-power location tracking for NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 5G IoT devices.
- Support massive-scale IoT deployments (e.g., asset tracking, logistics, connected cars, smart meters).
- Improve device geolocation accuracy without high power consumption.
7. Competitive Differentiation
- Stand out among MNOs and MVNOs by offering best-in-class positioning services beyond standard network or GPS-based solutions.
- Provide superior location intelligence for analytics, fraud detection, and network optimization.
- Differentiate IoT and mobile offerings with optimized positioning for various applications.
Why Combain?
- Trusted by major network operators for positioning services.
- AI-enhanced location algorithms improve accuracy beyond standard cellular triangulation.
- Scalable and flexible solutions for telecom infrastructure.
- Low-power tracking solutions ideal for IoT and M2M (machine-to-machine) applications.
- OnPrem deployments available for enhanced privacy and security
Savings using SIM Tracking powered by Cell ID Positioning
Company X, a moderate-sized global freight operator, tracks 10,000 containers annually. Previously, each GPS tracker cost approximately $100/unit/year in power and maintenance, excluding upfront costs. The Traxmate & Combain SIM Tracking solution costs approximately $8/unit/year because of its’ low power consumption and low-maintenance costs.
- Before Traxmate & Combain: $100 x 10,000 = $1000,000/year
- With Traxmate & Combain: (SIM-based tracking using Cell ID): $8 x 10,000 = $80,000/year
Total Annual Variable Cost Savings; ~$920,000 (92% cost reduction) using SIM Tracking.
Next Steps
To get started, contact us to schedule a consultation. Learn how Combain positioning can empower you.
Key Takeaways
What service do operators bring to market with Combain?
Carrier-grade network positioning as an alternative or complement to GNSS. The service utilizes both cellular and WiFi signals, leveraging AI models. It enables emergency response, IoT tracking, and enterprise services at network scale.
How do operators launch the service?
Begin with SIM-based tracking, which does not require app installation or firmware changes on devices.
Leverage your existing IoT infrastructure, such as Cisco IoT Control Center, billing systems, and portals. Incorporate location services into your connectivity offerings.
This approach shortens the time to market, simplifies support, and accommodates a variety of device types.
How much cost reduction is possible?
Cost reductions can be as high as 92 percent for large fleets.
For example, suppose you transition 10,000 assets from GPS trackers costing $100 per unit per year to SIM-based Cell ID at $8 per unit per year. In that case, you can reduce your annual spending from $1,000,000 to $80,000. This change frees up approximately $920,000 for growth, improved margins, or increased pricing flexibility.
What level of indoor accuracy do enterprises achieve?
Enterprises can expect a typical median accuracy of 1 to 5 meters when using AI Indoor technology.
By integrating 5G positioning, where supported by your Location Management Framework (LMF), you can reach an accuracy of sub-5 meters. This level of precision meets various enterprise needs, including mustering, room or zone presence, and asset locating.
Customers benefit from a single service that works effectively across multiple environments, including warehouses, hospitals, campuses, and offices.
What new revenue opportunities does this create?
We can offer package location services through tiered plans, sell enterprise APIs, asset tracking, geofencing, and usage-based events. Additionally, we can bundle these services with private networks and managed IoT solutions as an add-on for resilience in areas where GNSS signals are weak.
We can also offer upsell options for accuracy tiers, data retention, and analytics services. This strategy will help increase Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) without requiring additional field hardware.
How does this support compliance and safety?
It provides a reliable backup when GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals are unavailable. Additionally, it enhances coverage indoors and in densely populated urban areas.
This system supports emergencies, such as Automated Medical Location (AML) and E911 workflows, in regions where network-based aids are permitted.
By incorporating network location, you add redundancy that improves response times and the quality of audits.
What is the impact on device power usage and lifespan?
Network-based positioning minimizes GPS duty cycles. As a result, devices wake up less frequently, send smaller data payloads, and have a longer battery life.
This approach reduces the need for truck rolls and lowers replacement costs for NB-IoT, LTE-M, and 5G IoT fleets.
Operators can demonstrate tangible savings on battery life and maintenance, which can help them close business deals.
What data and platform support the service?
The service is backed by a comprehensive radio database that is continuously updated through crowdsourcing. It determines location using available cell signals outdoors, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth signals indoors.
The Location API standardizes the method, providing users with consistent results. This allows you to offer a single service that operates effectively both outdoors and indoors, ensuring easy integration for your customers.
Combain’s hybrid technology ensures continuous location tracking from outdoor to indoor environments.
Machine learning algorithms provides enhanced location accuracy.
Unlike traditional GNSS, Combain’s technology continues to function in jammed or GNSS-denied environments, ensuring location data remains reliable.
Law enforcement agencies can keep sensitive location data in-house for compliance and security.
Cell ID positioning
Cell ID location services determine a mobile device’s location by identifying the cell tower it is connected to. These services have various common use cases, including emergency response, asset tracking, marketing, logistics, security, and navigation.
Using Cell ID in conjunction with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is an effective alternative for applications that prioritize energy efficiency, as it helps extend the battery life of trackers and devices.
Companies often need to know the location of their devices for asset management or security checks. While GNSS is the standard method for this purpose, it can be costly and drain batteries quickly. Additionally, GNSS has limitations due to its reliance on line-of-sight, making it less effective for tracking devices in enclosed spaces, such as buildings. Since high accuracy is not always a requirement for various business applications, alternative solutions to GNSS become necessary.