Hybrid and Satellite GPS Trackers for Mining, Transport, and Remote Fleets in Australia

Satellite And Cellular GPS Tracker Australia

Hybrid satellite and cellular GPS trackers help you track vehicles, equipment, and workers in remote areas where mobile coverage is unreliable or unavailable. The G150 Hybrid GPS Tracker, combined with the Iridium Edge or Iridium Edge Solar modem, offers complete visibility across Australia's most challenging regions.
Mining, oil, and gas, as well as transport fleets, often operate far beyond 4G coverage. Hybrid tracking enables you to monitor assets in real time using cellular networks, then automatically switches to Iridium satellite tracking when the mobile signal is lost. This helps protect assets, keep remote workers safe, and meets compliance requirements.
In this guide, we explain how hybrid GPS tracking works, where it’s used, and what to consider before choosing a device.

What is a Hybrid GPS Tracker?

A hybrid GPS tracker combines cellular and satellite communications in one solution. It uses mobile networks when available, but automatically switches to satellite (Iridium) when the vehicle or asset moves out of coverage. This ensures continuous visibility across Australia’s remote regions.

Managing Remote Fleets In The Australian Outback

The Australian Outback includes both arid and desert regions. Workers will frequently operate vehicles in remote locations that rarely see rainfall, where temperatures often reach 40°C–50°C through the summer. This creates dry, dusty conditions. The sparsely distributed population also results in more unsealed roads. These combine to put more stress on vehicle maintenance and increase the risk for personnel. Workers in these regions will either be operating alone or in small teams. They often work in areas with limited cellular coverage. Should a safety incident occur or, in the case of a vehicle breakdown, help might be some hours away,

The G150 remote GPS vehicle tracker offers global GPS vehicle security tracking and coverage, enabling you to track vehicles and assets in remote locations, anywhere in the world.

Perfect for mining, oil and gas or construction firms in remote and potentially dangerous parts of the world. The Iridium Edge Solar GPS tracker can also ensure the safety and security of equipment. Businesses or customers can track and monitor high-value cargo from port to port.

Example: A Mining customer needs a replacement part shipped to PNG, but the parts get tied up in customs as the contractor is not aware they have arrived. Now, the Contractor is losing money as the equipment is not operational and is waiting on parts. Finally, contact is made 6 weeks later, and the parts are released from customs, on their way to the mining location. As any contractor knows, major parts on order mean the machine is on standby, and the dirt isn't getting moved. Solution: Implement Satellite tracking from Australian suppliers to international destinations, with daily updates and notifications on arrival at the port, thereby activating the clearing process more quickly. The contractor arranges transportation to the site without delays, speeding up the process and reducing machine downtime. The 6-week delay amounted to $750,000 + in lost time and production.

Drawbacks

Any devices connecting to the Iridium satellite network incur satellite airtime costs, but these can be controlled by configuring the frequency of updates.

How the Iridium Satellite Network Works

The Iridium Satellite Constellation is a system of 66 satellites for voice and data communications. The constellation covers the entire Earth, so voice and data can be transmitted anywhere. This makes an Iridium device capable of ensuring remote worker safety, tracking vehicles with GPS in areas with no coverage, and enabling duress or rollover alerts in these locations.

The G150 hybrid GPS tracker features a GPS/GNSS module, a cellular modem, and several other high-quality components, including a Bluetooth module, digital and analogue inputs, and RS-232 and J1939 interfaces.

When the G150 hybrid is back in mobile coverage, it records and uploads its position to the server. Typically, it will stay connected to the network when driving and upload immediately for 'live tracking'. The cellular modem is responsible for handling this data transfer.

Hybrid Trackers - Cellular To Satellite

If the device travels outside the 4G mobile network, it can connect with an Iridium Edge® module. This iridium edge device houses an Iridium modem and antenna, which allow the device to connect to the Iridium network and transmit data back to the server.

The G150 records a large amount of data in its internal memory, such as heading changes, speed changes, input changes, and other valuable GPS tracking information.

However, it will send a subset of this data every 30 minutes during a trip (by default) over Iridium SBD. This is entirely configurable, ensuring that Iridium data costs are controlled. An Iridium data bill for real-time GPS tracking would be an unhappy surprise!

The Iridium SBD (short burst data) service only allows a message size of 20 bytes, so a few other vital bits of information, such as inputs (for duress) and rollover/crash information, can be sent immediately if they occur.
When the device returns to coverage, it will update its entire history of stored data, allowing you to replay trips and get other detailed tracking information.

Hybrid vs. Pure Satellite Tracking: Which Should You Choose?

The G150 Hybrid GPS Tracker is ideal for vehicles that move in and out of mobile coverage areas. It uses cellular networks when available, and automatically switches to Iridium satellite tracking when coverage is lost. This offers near real-time tracking and helps control satellite data costs. It is a popular choice for mining, transport, and construction fleets operating across regional and remote zones.

The Iridium Edge Solar GPS Tracker is ideal for fixed or mobile assets that operate in remote areas with little or no cellular coverage. It uses solar power to enable long-term satellite-only tracking, making it a strong choice for trailers, heavy equipment, shipping containers, and remote infrastructure monitoring.

Choosing between hybrid and pure satellite tracking depends on how your vehicles and assets are used:

• Hybrid Tracking (G150) — Best for vehicles and equipment that travel between coverage areas and remote regions
• Satellite Tracking (Iridium Edge Solar) — Best for assets that remain in remote or out-of-coverage areas for extended periods

Both options can enhance remote worker safety, meet compliance requirements, and provide you with better visibility of your critical assets, regardless of their location.

Iridium Edge Solar™

The Iridium Edge® Solar is a standalone, programmable, solar-powered Short Burst Data (SBD®) device that offers real-time GPS tracking

Key Features

• Autonomous GPS tracking
• Over-the-Air Configuration Changes
• Interval and Scheduled Reporting Modes
• Up to 10-Year Operational Service Life

G150 Hybrid Satellite GPS Tracker®

Robust Hybrid real-time GPS tracking device with global connectivity plus Iridium satellite backup.

Key Features

• 4G LTE CAT-1 bis and 2G fallback
• High-precision GPS and Bluetooth® Gateway for vehicles and equipment
• 4 x Digital Inputs, 1 x Analog Input, Switched Outputs, Ignition Input, RS232
• Internal 3500mAh rechargeable LiPo backup battery

The basics of Short Burst Data can be viewed below:

Applications for Hybrid GPS Tracking in Remote Australia

• Asset tracking
• Fleet management
• Tracking of mobile assets such as trucks and heavy equipment
• Global GPS tracking
• OHS regulations
• Tracking vehicles and assets in remote areas that are frequently in and out of cellular coverage
• Ensure remote workers are safe, so far from communication
• Remote worker safety
• Enabling Duress and SOS Alarms
• Monitor and support lone worker safety with duress and SOS alerts — critical in mining and construction sectors.
• Regulatory compliance

Is a hybrid or satellite tracker right for your use case? Compare the two products, hybrid vs satellite GPS trackers.

FAQ Remoter GPS Vehicle Trackers

▼How does a remote GPS vehicle tracker enhance vehicle security, and what are the key features that support theft prevention?

A remote GPS vehicle tracker enhances vehicle security by providing real-time location data, allowing owners or fleet managers to monitor the vehicle's movements from anywhere. Key features include geofencing, which triggers alerts if the vehicle moves outside a designated area, and tamper alerts that notify the owner if the tracker is removed or tampered with. The G150 can immobilise the vehicle, preventing theft. The integration with our Keep Track GPS Telematics apps and cloud-based platforms ensures that users have continuous access to their vehicle's status, further enhancing security.

▼What is the difference between a traditional GPS tracker and a hybrid GPS tracker?

Traditional GPS trackers rely solely on the Mobile network to update the vehicle's location, which can be problematic in areas with poor mobile reception. On the other hand, dual-mode GPS trackers prioritise the cellular networks for tracking but automatically switch to the Iridium satellite service when cellular coverage is weak or lost. This ensures continuous and reliable tracking, even in remote areas or challenging environments where cellular coverage may be limited. The ability to seamlessly switch between networks enhances accuracy and reliability.

▼What are the main benefits of using remote GPS vehicle trackers for fleet management, and how can they improve efficiency and reduce costs?

Remote GPS vehicle trackers offer numerous benefits for fleet management, including real-time tracking route optimisation. By monitoring each vehicle's location and performance, fleet managers can reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary mileage, and improve scheduling. Additionally, remote trackers enable more effective driver management, providing data on driving behaviour that can be used to improve safety and reduce vehicle wear and tear. These efficiencies translate into lower operating costs, improved customer service, and better fleet performance.

▼How does a hybrid GPS tracker maintain accurate location data in areas with poor cellular signal, and what technology does it use?

A Satellite and cellular GPS tracker maintains accurate location data by automatically switching from cellular networks to the iridium satellite-based network when the cellular signal is weak or lost. This dual-mode functionality allows the tracker to provide precise location data every 10 - 30 minutes, even in remote areas where cellular networks are unreliable or unavailable. By leveraging both technologies, hybrid GPS trackers ensure continuous tracking in various environments, making them ideal for vehicles operating in urban and rural settings.

▼What are the power options for remote and hybrid GPS vehicle trackers, and how do they affect the installation process and long-term maintenance?

Remote and hybrid GPS vehicle trackers typically offer various power options, including hardwired connections to the vehicle’s battery, plug-and-play options through the OBD-II port, or standalone units with rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Hardwired trackers are ideal for permanent installations and require professional installation, but they offer continuous power and low maintenance. Plug-and-play trackers are easy to install and can be moved between vehicles. They depend on the vehicle’s power and may require periodic checks. Battery-powered or solar-powered GPS trackers provide flexibility but require regular charging or battery replacement. The power option will depend on the specific use case and desired level of maintenance.

▼What type of data can be collected and analysed from remote GPS vehicle trackers, and how can this data be used to enhance driver safety and optimise vehicle usage?

Remote GPS vehicle trackers can collect a wide range of data, including real-time location, speed, route history, idle time, and run hours. This data can be analysed to optimise vehicle usage by identifying inefficient routes, reducing idle time, and scheduling maintenance based on actual vehicle performance rather than time intervals. For driver safety, the data can highlight risky driving behaviours such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. Fleet managers can use this information to implement driver training programs, set up alerts for unsafe behaviour, and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety.

Explore more: Browse our full range of Satellite GPS Trackers and Hybrid GPS Trackers for mining, transport, construction, and remote fleet tracking across Australia.