Thatcham-Approved Trackers: Not All S7 and S5 Devices Are the Same
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When it comes to protecting your vehicle, fitting a Thatcham-approved tracker is one of the most effective ways to safeguard against theft. Whether you’ve been told to get an S7 or an S5 device by your insurance company, you might think that once it says “Thatcham approved,” they’re all basically identical.
Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Just like buying a car, the badge might be the same, but what’s under the bonnet can vary wildly. If you don’t do your research, you could end up paying more than you need to, or worse, installing a tracker that becomes useless within a couple of years.
At GPSBob, we’ve seen it all, customers who bought cheaper devices that quickly stopped working, people surprised by high monthly fees, and even drivers who didn’t realise their “new” tracker was running on outdated technology. That’s why we’ve put together this guide: to help you make the right choice the first time.
1. The Big Question: Is the Tracker 4G enabled?
If you remember just one thing from this article, let it be this:
If your tracker isn’t 4G enabled, it’s not future-proof.
Some trackers still run on the old 2G network — technology that dates back to the early ’90s. While it’s been reliable for decades, most European countries have already switched off their 2G networks entirely, meaning those devices simply don’t work abroad.
Here in the UK, the 2G switch-off is coming in the next few years. When it happens, any 2G-only tracker will instantly lose connection. No tracking. No alerts. No insurance compliance.
With a GPSBob Mongoose tracker, you don’t have to worry. Every single device we sell — whether S7 or S5 — is fully 4G enabled. This means:
- Faster, more reliable connections compared to older technology.
- Future-proofing your investment so it continues to work for many years.
- True global coverage that actually works, not just marketing buzzwords.
And here’s the important bit: if a company doesn’t clearly state that the tracker is 4G, assume it isn’t. “Global coverage” or “worldwide SIM” doesn’t mean it will work everywhere if it’s only 2G.
2. The Hidden Cost of Cheap Trackers
It’s easy to get drawn in by a low upfront price — until you see the monthly bill. Some companies make their money back by charging different rates for S7 and S5 models, often adding £5–£10 more per month for S5 users.
At GPSBob, we think that’s unfair. Whether you choose S7 or S5, we charge the same market-leading low rate of just £8.99 per month.
That means:
- No surprise fees or price hikes.
- The same great service no matter which level of Thatcham approval your insurer requires.
- Better long-term savings, especially if you keep your vehicle for years.
When you compare this with competitors, you’ll see that our pricing is among the lowest — without compromising on technology or service.
3. Why Customers Choose GPSBob
We’re proud of the fact that we’re not just another tracker company. Here’s what makes us different:
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Direct from the manufacturer – We don’t go through resellers, meaning you get more value for money.
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First-class customer service – Our UK-based support team is quick, friendly, and knows the products inside out.
- Fast, professional installation – We can arrange fitting at your home or workplace at a time that suits you
- Trusted reputation – Our excellent Trustpilot rating reflects the positive experiences of thousands of customers.
4. Our Advice: Do Your Research
We’re not asking you to buy from us straight away. In fact, we actively encourage you to compare. Ask other providers these key questions before making a decision:
- Is the tracker 4G enabled? If not, walk away — it’s already outdated.
- What’s the monthly cost? Don’t just look at the upfront price.
- Is there a price difference between S7 and S5? If yes, ask why.
- Will it work abroad right now? Not just in theory.
- What happens when 2G is switched off in the UK? (This one is telling.)
Once you’ve got the answers, we’re confident you’ll see why GPSBob comes out on top.
Bottom line: A Thatcham-approved tracker is an investment in your security — and like any investment, you want to make sure it’s built to last. With GPSBob, you get a fair price, future-proof 4G technology, and support you can count on.
GPSBob: Built for today. Ready for tomorrow.
