A method includes determining that an asset with an associated tracking device is lost, and, in response, remotely activating a cellular communication system of the tracking device. A network carrier access plan that provides cellular network service provided by a network carrier to the cellular communication system is also activated. Location data for the asset is received from the tracking device, the location data transmitted from the tracking device using a cellular network connection. The current location of the lost asset is determined based on the received location data.