Meitrack Group, a Shenzhen-based provider of GPS tracker, has developed its next-generation personal tracker using Cat M1 and NB-IoT technologies. Designed specifically for outdoor workers and extreme athletes, the rugged Meitrack P99 GPS tracker has integrated Quectel BG96 module, which offers Cat M1 (eMTC), NB-IoT and EGPRS connectivity.

Cat M1 and NB-IoT are two new standards of Radio Access Technology designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M devices. The two technologies feature low power consumption, increased signal penetration, wide coverage, massive connectivity and lower cost. Therefore, BG96 will ensure that the tracker can connect even in remote areas with weak cellular coverage. Besides real-time positioning, the tracker also supports two-way call and emergency call. During MWC Shanghai 2017, an end-to-end data call using Cat M1 VoLTE technology was completed based on the Meitrack P99 tracker.

As BG96 features ultra-low power consumption, it enables that the tracker has prolonged standby time of up to 400 hours. Moreover, BG96 has a cost-effective SMT form factor of 26.5mm × 22.5mm × 2.3mm and is ideal for portable trackers like Meitrack P99.

Quectel BG96 offers a maximum data rate of 300Kbps downlink and 375Kbps uplink. It provides pin-to-pin compatibility with Quectel LTE module EG91/EG95, Cat NB1 (NB-IoT) module BC95, UMTS/HSPA module UG95/UG96 and GSM/GPRS module M95. BG96 can also be applied in a wide range of M2M applications such as wireless POS, smart metering, asset monitoring and bicycle sharing.