Lack of flexibility with telematics data charges during lockdown, says Aeris

More than three-quarters (77%) of fleet operators reported a lack of flexibility and understanding of managing data costs incurred by their telematics provider, even when their fleets were side-lined due to the first Covid-19 lockdown.

That’s according to a survey of fleet operators from technology company Aeris, which says for fleets using a telematics service, managing costs is vital, particularly in these uncertain times when vehicles can spend long periods of time stationery due to restrictions on travel.

Aeris reports the main impact was around the insurance Pay-As-You-Go/UBI or the Universal Basic Income fleet segment, whereby cars were parked, and not being driven, but the operators were still incurring data charges.

Typically, the telematics provider will offer, a particular rate plan for all SIM’s at the start of a billing cycle, it says. Customers choose the best tariff for the SIM to be on, at the start of the month, for example a 2MB tariff, however if they work out that their SIM would have been better if it was on a 5MB plan, they can switch to that plan the day before the end of the month, and therefore be billed for that 5MB plan.

Mohsen Mohseninia, from Aeris, said: “With one of the main pressures on telematics companies coming down to cost, telematics providers need to stand out from their competitors and offer dynamic pricing that supports their end users, such as fleet operators.”

Aeris provides ‘Freedom to Operate’, enabling our customers to move their devices from one rate plan to another – without incurring any penalties.

To manage data costs, Aeris offers ‘Aeris AerPort’, which provides device management oversight, easily provisioning devices, activating billing, providing location and tracing capabilities, suspending or cancelling devices, and providing an access to customer support.

Mohseninia continued: “Aeris’s technical and contractual flexibility ensures telematics providers are not charged for devices when they are not in use. Because of this, one of our customers, Redtail Telematics has been able to tap into new markets, as it has the flexibility to offer affordable solutions while guaranteeing quality and accurate data insights even in poor infrastructure areas.”