A1 Austria gives away GPS locator with 2yrs plan

27 Mar 2009

Wireless operator A1 Austria has started offering a small real-time GPS tracking device, "GPS-reporter", for free to subscribers taking a 2 years plan at €9 per month. Compared to most similar services available across Europe which hardware sells for a minimum of €120 and plan starts at €10, it is a very affordable solution.

This type of business model is clearly one wireless operators have been successful at: subsidizing hardware and making money out of voice and data. If wireless operators in other countries get into selling this kind of devices with such business model - at this stage many operators are cautious because of privacy concern - it could be a real boost for this market which is both lacking affordable solutions and consumer awareness.