Satellite Communication and Location Tracking for Travelers in Need

Many tourists worry about getting lost or stranded in a foreign country. This fear is understandable, as navigating unfamiliar surroundings can be daunting, especially when there are language barriers or cultural differences. The intensity of this fear can vary depending on the individual, their travel experience, and the destination.

Fortunately, there are a number of resources that can help tourists feel more secure when traveling abroad. Maps, GPS devices, and travel apps can all be helpful for staying oriented. However, it is important to be aware of the risk of smartphone theft, which is a particular concern in crowded tourist areas. Especially in cases of tourist disappearances, tracking and monitoring the phone of tourists can play an important role in saving their lives.

According to recent news, mountain rescuers recovered two Dutch tourists in a particularly steep section of Romania's Fagaras Mountains. Other guests who heard the hikers' cries for help alerted Salvamont Arges rescuers. The tourists were hauled out of the dangerous area and rescued by helicopter.[1]

In such cases, periodic monitoring of the location of tourists can help to prevent possible losses and even deaths. This is important in every sense, but especially in terms of security. The use of this application will also help to instill a sense of confidence in tourists, which can lead to increased tourism and economic benefits for the country.

Defne’s RaaS Offers “Track Location” API

For these reasons, the "Track My Location" service can be counted as a win-win for both parties. The next section discusses the critical components of this service as well as the methods required to implement it. But before that, we would like to talk about emergency communication from satellites, which is seen as a new technology.

The "Track My Location" service can offer a win-win situation for both tourists and mobile network operators. While implementing this service, several critical components and methods need to be considered. Providing location tracking as an on-demand service can enhance the safety, security, convenience, and peace of mind of tourists, particularly in unfamiliar or risky environments. It allows easy location monitoring and strengthens timely assistance during emergencies or unexpected situations.

However, privacy concerns must be carefully addressed. Clear consent mechanisms should be in place, ensuring users have control over sharing their location information. Legal and ethical considerations, such as compliance with data protection regulations, are crucial to ensure the service is provided ethically and within the boundaries of the law. Striking a balance between safety and privacy is essential, considering user preferences and maintaining transparency throughout the implementation of such services.

Defne’s RaaS’s Track Location Service suggests getting consent from the inbound roamers as soon as they attach to the home network, and then, RaaS starts tracking the mobile device location periodically while transmitting the data securely to the ministry of interior or police department for potential future use. Alternatively, location data can be transferred to the police department on demand. In order to get the consent of the inbound roamer, obviously there should be an agreement between the roaming partners to send messages to the inbound roamer. The same service can be developed for outbound users as well.

Ultimately, the decision to provide location tracking as an on-demand service should be based on a careful assessment of the specific context, user preferences, and privacy considerations. Transparency, user consent, and robust security measures are essential elements to address when implementing such services, ensuring that the balance between safety and privacy is maintained.

Satellites provide a solution for such emergency situations

There might be another approach which is utilizing satellites to manage communication in case of emergency incidents. While it is innovative, it may ensure resilience and seamless communication. Integrating satellite communication with terrestrial systems is vital to ensure reliable connectivity in emergency situations, particularly in remote or disaster-stricken areas where terrestrial infrastructure may be damaged or non-existent.

During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, satellite communication can provide a lifeline for communication and coordination efforts. Satellites enable emergency responders, relief organizations, and affected individuals to establish communication links, share critical information, and coordinate rescue and relief operations.

The most recent example of this situation is the iPhone 14 SOS feature. The iPhone 14's SOS feature integrates satellite connectivity to enhance emergency communication capabilities. By leveraging satellites in addition to terrestrial networks, this feature provides reliable coverage and connectivity, ensuring that individuals can reach out for help and transmit crucial information in emergency situations, even in areas where traditional cellular networks may not be accessible.

Either satellite communication or terrestrial communications, industry experts should develop solutions for such emergency cases where there is no network coverage.

Reference:

1- Dutch tourists stranded in Romania’s Fagaras Mountains rescued, available online: https://www.romania-insider.com/dutch-tourists-stranded-romania-fagaras-mountains-rescued-2023, accessed: 18.07.2023