An approach is provided for tracking a telemetry device over a wireless network. A determination is made whether the telemetry device is operating in a first mode requiring assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) data from the wireless network to determine location of the telemetry device. The A-GPS data is transmitted to the telemetry device if the telemetry device is operating in the first mode, wherein the telemetry device operates in a second mode to obtain GPS data autonomously for determining the location when the telemetry device is outside of the coverage area of the wireless network.