FTM927, FTM887 – SCALING DEAD RECKONING WITH CAT M1 DEVICES

We are introducing the latest FTM927 and FTM887 Cat M1 devices with dead reckoning functionality, bringing reliable tracking to key global markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This technology ensures continuous tracking even when GPS is lost, delivering uninterrupted visibility, accurate virtual odometer data, improved stolen vehicle recovery, precise reporting, and better detection of vehicle misuse.

GLOBAL URBANISATION’S IMPACT ON TELEMATICS

Mileage is an important factor in the operations of many businesses worldwide. Accurate virtual odometer data is critical for companies that charge or operate based on distance, such as car-sharing services, fleet operators, leasing companies, and insurance providers offering pay-as-you-go or usage-based models.

However, with growing cities and rapidly changing infrastructure, ensuring reliable driving data is becoming increasingly difficult due to long tunnels, multi-level road systems, and extensive viaducts that cause frequent GPS signal jumps or loss.

This is especially visible in highly developed and fast-growing regions. In Japan, extreme urban density combined with mountainous terrain has led to heavy reliance on urban expressway tunnels in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Meanwhile, in Australia, rapid urban expansion has driven major investments in mega-tunnel projects in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, including WestConnex (~22 km), one of the longest urban tunnel systems globally. In the United States, large-scale infrastructure transformations such as Boston’s Big Dig reflect a broader shift toward moving traffic underground to reduce surface congestion and reshape urban mobility.

Overall, modern urbanisation is increasing the complexity of road networks and the reliance on underground infrastructure, making uninterrupted and reliable telematics data more challenging than ever.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH DEAD RECKONING

In order to keep pace with rapidly changing infrastructure, Teltonika introduces the latest FT platform models – FTM927 and FTM887. How do they make a difference? Without dead reckoning, a tracking device typically connects the last known GPS position with the next available signal using a straight line, for example, when a vehicle enters and exits a tunnel. This leads to an underestimation of the actual distance travelled and creates inaccurate route data. With dead reckoning enabled, the device continues calculating the vehicle’s movement even during GPS signal loss, generating a more realistic route and more accurate mileage data.

The newest additions to the FT platform portfolio feature 4G LTE Cat M1 connectivity, making them an ideal choice for markets such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan, where tunnels, underground highways, and multi-level road systems are continuously reshaping road infrastructure.

At the same time, tunnels and underground roads are not the only reason why GPS signals may be lost or become unstable. Even when driving under open sky conditions, signals can be reflected by tall buildings in dense urban areas. This often causes GPS jumps, broken tracks, and inaccurate positioning data. By combining GNSS data with vehicle motion sensors, dead reckoning helps maintain stable and reliable tracking even in these challenging environments, ensuring uninterrupted visibility and more precise telematics data.

THE RIGHT FIT, BUILT AROUND NEEDS

Both devices are built on our bestselling product series, bringing proven reliability together with the latest dead reckoning technology. FTM887 tracker provides maximum flexibility and freedom from complex installations. It is often chosen by clients who want to avoid additional mounting costs, which in some cases can exceed the price of the device itself. The U-type cable allows direct connection to the vehicle’s battery for quick and simple installation. In addition, robust IP69K-rated casing ensures maximum protection against dust, water, and harsh environmental conditions.

For clients requiring more advanced functionality, such as immobiliser scenarios or additional inputs, FTM927 tracker is a perfect choice. It includes all the essential features most telematics service providers need for daily use. Most importantly, our device now comes enhanced with dead reckoning functionality, ensuring continuous and reliable tracking even in challenging GPS environments.