This marks the first time that Telstra has offered fleet management technology to customers in this way, and comes as a direct response to the growing demand for these solutions in Australia.

A small tracking device in the vehicle transmits key data through the Telstra network, showing business owners and fleet managers their vehicles’ location, time spent at a location, speed, idle times, driver time sheets, unauthorised vehicle usage, vehicle maintenance status and more. An optional navigation and messaging device provides easier communication between the office and field staff, improving route planning and reducing fuel costs.

Navman Wireless has seen its customer base double year-on-year since 2007 as businesses utilise these solutions to boost productivity and reduce operational costs. The business benefits have seen tracking expand beyond the traditional transport sector, with the service industry now the fastest growth segment. The partnership with Telstra enables Navman Wireless to extend its market reach and make its products easily available to a wider customer base.

Under the terms of the partnership, Telstra will offer the Navman Wireless tracking, messaging and navigation solution to its business customers on 36 month contracts. Rather than paying for the products up front, Telstra customers can have monthly repayments added to their Telstra bill enabling small business customers to better manage cash flow.

Mike Cihra, director of M2M and Partners at Telstra, said: ‘We’ve had great success with Navman Wireless’ fleet tracking solution and our partnership with Navman Wireless. This exciting new offer provides our customers with the added flexibility of receiving a turnkey vehicle tracking solution inclusive of hardware, software as a service and carriage – with a single monthly payment on the Telstra bill.

‘We are looking to partner with more organisations like Navman Wireless who have innovative yet easy to use technology as well as a shared focus on growing the machine to machine market in Australia.’

Ian Daniel, vice president of Asia Pacific at Navman Wireless, said: ‘This partnership brings together Australia’s leading telecommunications and fleet management companies. We have seen an explosion in local demand for fleet management solutions and are excited about working with Telstra to make our products easily available to more Australian businesses.’