Quick Answer: No, Active RFID is different to BLE although both are RF technologies. Both are used for RTLS but they are not the same.
Here is a quick reckoner:
| Feature | Active RFID Tag | BLE Asset Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Read Range | Up to 100 meters or more | less than 100 meters |
| Frequency Band | Typically 433/900 MHz or 2.4 GHz | ISM 2.4 GHz |
| Battery Life | 3–5 years | 2–5 years |
| Data Transmission | Continuous (beacon) or on-demand (transponder) | Periodic beacons |
| Infrastructure | Requires dedicated RFID readers and antennas | Can leverage existing Bluetooth infrastructure |
| Cost | Tag is cheaper but higher reader costs | Magnitude lower per tag and infrastructure costs |
| Environmental Impact | 433 MHz less affected by physical barriers | 2.4 GHz is more crowded and more susceptible to interference |
| Integration | Often requires specialized systems | Easier integration with smartphones and tablets |
RFID Reader is lot more expensive compared BLE gateway, which means you can implement a BLE based RTLS solution at a fractional cost of Active RFID solution. Also BLE is a lot more commoditized, which eliminates the fear of vendor lock-in.