As mobile phone tracking becomes easier to carry out, there are a number of issues related to the disadvantages and problems mobile phone tracking has compared to conventional tracking devices.
Coverage
Cell phone tracking works by sending a signal to the cell phone and monitoring where the return signal is coming from by triangulating the distance from three or more cell towers. The problem with this form of tracking occurs when the phone is in a remote area or somewhere with poor coverage. If the mobile cannot connect to the masts or the signal is too weak, it can be difficult to locate a person.
Force
Battery life applies to all tracking devices, be it a conventional tracker, a GPS phone or a regular mobile. Once the battery is dead or the phone is turned off, there is no possibility of tracking a person’s whereabouts. With mobile phones, the problem is less likely, since most of the time people keep their phones charged. However, it can be a particular frustration with tracking devices, which will need constant monitoring of the battery charge.
Secret
If you want to use your mobile phone as a tracking device for your car by simply leaving it in your glove compartment or door pocket, it could become the next stolen item should your car be broken into and not recoverable. However, you should be able to find the thief. Tracking devices are smaller and less easy to spot, making them better suited for this type of work.
Privacy
One of the main concerns people have about mobile phone tracking is the ease with which it can be done. Simply knowing someone’s phone number and having access to their phone for five minutes is all it takes to set up a tracking account. Despite the illegality of this operation, there are always some people who are willing to operate outside the law. The best way to guard against this is to always keep your phone close to you and check previous text messages, as this is how the tracking company informs you that they are providing the service.
Trust
One of the main problems with using phone trace to monitor or track children or elderly relatives is the feeling of lack of trust on their part. Although you are likely to resent and argue with the children anyway, family members may react just as resentful despite all your good intentions.
Ultimately, the problems will depend on what you decide to use a mobile phone tracker for. Whether it’s intended for use in the field or in the pocket of a teenager, to track down a potential lost car, or to let people know where you are.