GPS tracking watch compatible with Public Mobile

[Tav]

I'm new to Public Mobile and looking to see if I can switch some of my family members over. My Sister was looking to get a GPS tracking watch for her son. Her current provider does not support that type of device so this could be a big selling point for her to make the switch.

Hes 6 years old so she doesn't want him to have his own phone quite yet but needs something so she can keep an eye on him after some recent messy family troubles.

Anyone have an idea if this device will work with PM or have a suggestion for a similiar device and plan that would be required?

Thanks!

[wetcoaster]

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@CalgaryBen wrote:

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@Tav wrote:

My Sister was looking to get a GPS tracking watch for her son. Her current provider does not support that type of device so this could be a big selling point for her to make the switch.

Anyone have an idea if this device will work with PM or have a suggestion for a similiar device and plan that would be required?

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The majority of these devices are 2G/GPRS/GSM, which won't work on PM.  If you want freedom to use on other networks, look for a device that supports UMTS/HSPA/LTE.  I haven't looked in the last year or so, but when I did, they were relatively scarce, while 2G/GPRS devices were widely available and cheap.

For the type of tracking devices, phone watches, etc. that are good for kids, I usually recommend going into 7-Eleven and getting a SpeakOut SIM card ($10), and then getting $25 of credit (which gives a bit of talk time and SMS and expires a year after activation).  It's suitable for about a year of emergency use (depending on how much talk/SMS you use), plus data if the device needs it.  However, keep in mind that Rogers (on which SpeakOut works) is shutting down the 2G/GPRS network in a couple years, so these won't be useful beyond around December 2020.

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Two additional points to @CalgaryBen's suggestion, unless that has changed in the past couple of months:

- While talk and text can be pay-per-use on SpeakOut, when it comes to data you have to buy their data add-on - 100MB for $10 per 30days. If you run out of that data pay per use data kicks in. Note: MMS needs and uses your data on SpeakOut (it does not on Public Mobile). SpeakOut now also has a $30/2GB data only plan which IMHO would be overkill for this application. Little hint: Their bonus is on right now, if the data add-on is important...

- SpeakOut charges a monthly $1.25 "911 fee" (any such fees are included in all Public Mobile plans)... So in fact your $25/365days would only be $10 of air time and texts.

[CalgaryBen]

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@Tav wrote:

My Sister was looking to get a GPS tracking watch for her son. Her current provider does not support that type of device so this could be a big selling point for her to make the switch.

Anyone have an idea if this device will work with PM or have a suggestion for a similiar device and plan that would be required?

---

The majority of these devices are 2G/GPRS/GSM, which won't work on PM.  If you want freedom to use on other networks, look for a device that supports UMTS/HSPA/LTE.  I haven't looked in the last year or so, but when I did, they were relatively scarce, while 2G/GPRS devices were widely available and cheap.

For the type of tracking devices, phone watches, etc. that are good for kids, I usually recommend going into 7-Eleven and getting a SpeakOut SIM card ($10), and then getting $25 of credit (which gives a bit of talk time and SMS and expires a year after activation).  It's suitable for about a year of emergency use (depending on how much talk/SMS you use), plus data if the device needs it.  However, keep in mind that Rogers (on which SpeakOut works) is shutting down the 2G/GPRS network in a couple years, so these won't be useful beyond around December 2020.

[hairbag1]

As  noted already..".PM doesn't have anything for smart watches. As a third tier provider you won't find a lot of features here". Bell or Rogers might be of help but not Public Mobile.

[Tav]

@sheytoon any type that might work with Public Mobile?

[sheytoon · Accepted solution]

@Tav, that watch in your link only seems to support GSM/GPRS protocol for cellular. Which means you can only use it on Rogers and its sub brands like Fido and Chatr.

[Tav]

Maybe I'm just ignorant to the technology but shouldn't it just need a data only plan similar to what you would use in a tablet?

[ShawnC13]

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@Tav wrote:

I'm new to Public Mobile and looking to see if I can switch some of my family members over. My Sister was looking to get a GPS tracking watch for her son. Her current provider does not support that type of device so this could be a big selling point for her to make the switch.

Hes 6 years old so she doesn't want him to have his own phone quite yet but needs something so she can keep an eye on him after some recent messy family troubles.

Anyone have an idea if this device will work with PM or have a suggestion for a similiar device and plan that would be required?

Thanks!

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PM doesn't have anything for smart watches. As a third tier provider you won't find a lot of features here