OVERVIEW 

Netstar - Who we are

Netstar pioneered the stolen vehicle tracking and recovery (SVR) industry in South Africa over 21 years ago.  It did so using its proprietary Radio Frequency (RF) technology, and developed the first vehicle tracking unit and radio transmitter/receiver network in the region.   Netstar’s technological developments have been on the cutting edge of world advancements, and this proficiency is underscored by numerous Technology Top 100 awards, as well as the prestigious Minister’s Award for Overall Excellence in 2007. 

Netstar caters for a wide range of needs with its product line-up.  Its locally designed and manufactured systems have stood the test of time, and range from basic phone-in SVR systems to advanced fleet management solutions, as well as vehicle asset tracking devices with GPS/GPRS functionality.
 
With over 600,000 vehicles under its protection, Netstar provides the most comprehensive private recovery service and infrastructure in southern Africa, and in excess of 60,000 stolen and hijacked vehicles recovered to date. 

Netstar employs over 800 people. There are 14 regional offices based in Midrand, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Pietermaritzburg, Rustenburg, Richards Bay, Newcastle, Witbank, Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Nelspruit. Netstar operations extend into Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia. We have customers throughout Africa and global operations in Malaysia. 

How it works

Netstar provides a nationwide fleet management and stolen vehicle recovery service, using a proprietary land-based radio network.

The key elements of this service are:

Tracking units - A small device, which can receive signals and transmit responses to the control centre, is installed in the vehicle.

Fitment centres - We have 200 mobile fitters throughout SA, managed by qualified auto electricians and carefully selected technicians meticulously trained by the Netstar Quality Control team.

Control centre – Operating 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, the control centre is responsible for activating tracking units in stolen or hijacked vehicles, co-ordinating the ground and air recovery operations, liaising with the SAPS and communicating with subscribers.

Ground and air recovery teams – Private and exclusive to Netstar, these highly trained recovery personnel respond at immediate notice. Although they may at times work in conjunction with the SAPS, they do not rely on the SAPS for recovery of stolen vehicles.

Battery back-up - The Netstar system is powered by the vehicle's battery. After stealing a vehicle, thieves may disconnect the main battery. The Netstar back-up battery provides power for more than 8 hours, enabling it to transmit its signal and providing ample time for recovery.

Testing - The testing procedure is simple. Contact the Product Wellness Centre on (011) 207 5114 and request a test. The operator will explain the test process specific to the product installed in your vehicle. Please remember that only the GSM/GPS products can provide an accurate description of the vehicle location. 

Awards
The Technology Top 100 (TT100) awards run in partnership with The Department of Science and Technology and recognise South African role models who, through innovation and tenacity, have developed technology and taken organisations to new levels of competitiveness.

Since 1999 Netstar has been consistently nominated for the TT100 award and has been awarded Platinum TT100 Status for maintaining excellence for more than 5 consecutive years.  Altech Netstar has won in the categories of large enterprise, hardware innovation, new product development, and has been awarded the prestigious Minister’s Award for Overall Excellence.