The service, called Silent-i, combines Telecom mobile phones, satellite tracking and alarm services for vehicle owners who want to be instantly notified via mobile phone when their vehicle is being broken in to, or badly driven by a known user.

The joint venture service, which combines Telecom’s CDMA network, Navman’s industry-leading GPS technology and security heavyweight ADT, delivers a unique combination of vehicle monitoring and GPS tracking functions to Telecom mobile phone users. 

Telecom Mobile's head of product and service development, Shane Ohlin, says Silent-i was developed in response to significant demand for a comprehensive service offering vehicle protection and peace of mind.

"This is a product with the potential to markedly improve the quality of life for many New Zealanders, as well as improving visibility for businesses," he says. 

“It's an outstanding achievement and demonstrates the quality of New Zealand's IT and telecommunications professionals."

The product’s major advance is the combination of GPS tracking and integrated text messaging that automatically alerts vehicle owners to a number of pre-determined and potentially criminal events, including a glass break, tilting, and unauthorised entry.

These features are supported by 24/7 call centre monitoring provided by ADT. Using their Telecom mobile phone the vehicle owner is able to view the alert and take action, or simply disarm and re-arm the vehicle and conduct further analysis and management of alarm status and vehicle access.

In addition to advanced vehicle security and monitoring, Silent-i enables vehicle owners to set certain parameters for individual drivers and receive text alerts in the event of speeding, over-stepping curfews or leaving pre-approved geographical areas.   

Navman VP sales Asia Pacific and Latin America Ian Daniel says Silent-i is deliberately broader than just security. “Research confirms that vehicle owners want much more than just a vehicle alarm. Personal security of family, employees, possessions and peace of mind while travelling are key.”

In the event the owner does not respond within a specific preset timeframe, text alerts are automatically escalated to other nominated phones or the ADT call centre, which assesses the alert and decides to notify police or despatch vehicle security personnel to assess the pinpointed vehicle.

ADT national manager new products and services Jarrod Beaman says Silent-i is a tremendous opportunity for his company to leverage its existing skills and infrastructure in electronic security and monitoring. “When Silent-i customers choose to escalate alarm incidents to our monitoring centre they can rest easy that we have a proven track record in minimising criminal opportunity.”

Silent-i also includes a panic button – in-vehicle and on the key fob – to request immediate security support from ADT’s 24/7 monitoring centre. 

Ian Daniel says Silent-i addresses the shortcomings of traditional vehicle security systems by instantly putting vital information at vehicle owners’ fingertips. “Crime statistics show that unless a vehicle is recovered in the first two hours the chances of getting it back are marginal. Now response time is on the owner’s side. What’s more, satellite tracking ensures the bad guys have nowhere to hide.

"Silent-i is a powerful tool in the ongoing fight against vehicle thefts, which costs New Zealanders millions of dollars every year.”

Telecom’s Ohlin says Silent-i will appeal to sectors like healthcare and vehicle rentals, as well as private vehicle owners.

"The panic-button is excellent for healthcare workers, and the area alerts feature can keep rental vehicles out of areas where they shouldn't be, like on gravel roads on or 90-Mile Beach.” 

The service has enormous export potential and scope for expansion into other sectors, he adds, such as home security and monitoring. 

The service is being showcased on the Telecom 'Momentum' bus, which is currently touring New Zealand for two months. A BMW X5 has been installed with Silent-i, and a full demonstration of the alarm, mapping, driver ID, area alerts, remote control, and handset functionality will be given to Telecom customers all across New Zealand.

For more information contact

Telecom
www.telecom.co.nz

August 2006