Founded in 1995 as an independent, privately owned company, Aplicom is originally a spin-off from Nokia Mobile Phones.
From the outset, Aplicom focused on providing mobile data communication devices with extensive software features to the international market, while the Finnish market became to the picture only later. In the late 1990s, Aplicom emerged as a pioneer in the field, with large companies such as Daimler, Mannesmann, Volvo trucks and Vodafone adopting and promoting its telematics products. Aplicom’s products were distributed through system integrators and service providers as part of their offering across various countries, ultimately reaching end customers.
Before GSM networks with GPRS functionality became widely available, Aplicom devices operated on PMR, Mobitex, and satellite networks. Close collaboration with Nokia provided a strong position in the market, enabling Aplicom to offer some of the first mobile data communication solutions for cellular networks via SMS and data calls.
Aplicom’s end-customer base has been diverse, ranging from heavy truck operators to police and ambulance fleets, as well as various delivery and service organizations. Major road service organizations in Europe, such as ADAC in Germany, selected Aplicom for their service vehicles. Additionally, a significant number of devices were deployed in agricultural tractors, making it a successful segment alongside direct partnerships with mobile equipment manufacturers.
As competition intensified with the rise of low-cost tracking devices, Aplicom strategically kept its focus in high-quality devices with versatile interfaces, advanced software features, and flexible customization options tailored to customers’ specific needs. For example, Aplicom was an early innovator in enabling the remote download of digital tachograph (RDL) data through its devices and also offered RDL service system to combine with partner´s telematics applications.
In 2023, Aplicom decided to expanded its business by developing an IoT cloud service system in addition to new telematics devices. This system, Alto, was launched in 2024 and made available to new customers. Aplicom has always relied on its expanding partner network and built strong relationships based on trust—delivering products and services through its partners and resellers and not directly to end customers. New customer segments for Aplicom’s service systems include various software companies with fleet management clients, as well as mobile machinery providers.
Follow us on social media