No signal, no problem: Your iPhone can connect you to roadside assistance for help

What happens if a customer is stranded on a remote highway or country road, locations that traditionally meant no service and potential danger? Situations like these used to make the phrase “no signal, no problem” sound unrealistic for roadside assistance providers. Not anymore. With Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite, help is within reach, regardless of infrastructure.

No more frantic searches for a sliver of signal, no anxious waits; just a clear, reliable connection that lets you extend your service reach into previously inaccessible areas. To understand the full capabilities of this technology, let’s start by defining the feature and how it functions.

What is Roadside Assistance via satellite?

Apple introduced Roadside Assistance via satellite as a part of its suite of satellite features. Unlike traditional cellular networks, which depend on ground-based towers, Roadside Assistance via satellite leverages a network of satellites orbiting Earth.

Infobip supports Apple’s Roadside Assistance via satellite through Australian Motoring Service (AMS), enabling drivers with iPhone 14 or later to request roadside assistance, share their location, and provide essential information via text with AMS, even when they don’t have a mobile signal. This is especially useful for roadside emergencies when traditional communication methods aren’t available, for example, if you’re locked out, have a flat tire, or run out of fuel or charge.

Why is Roadside Assistance via satellite an advancement?

Roadside Assistance via satellite addresses limitations in traditional roadside communication when users have car trouble while off the grid.

• Precise location sharing: This technology enables precise location sharing, which is crucial for roadside assistance providers, who need to pinpoint the location of individuals in distress quickly and accurately.
• Reduced response times: By providing a direct line of communication, Roadside Assistance via satellite can significantly reduce response times when users have car trouble, but don’t have reception.
• Alternative connectivity: In disaster scenarios where terrestrial networks fail or are unavailable, Roadside Assistance via satellite provides a vital alternative connectivity option. This resilience ensures that communication remains possible when other systems fail.
• Compatibility: The feature is built into compatible iPhone models, and requires no additional equipment.

Roadside Assistance via satellite availability

Roadside Assistance via satellite availability depends on a combination of hardware, software, location, and carrier support.

Device compatibility

Roadside Assistance via satellite is primarily available on iPhone 14 models or later with iOS 18.4 or later. This combination of hardware and software ensures access to the most recent advancements in satellite communication protocols.

Location and coverage

Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in Australia, the United States (including Puerto Rico), and the United Kingdom when users are outside of traditional cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. However, a clear, unobstructed view of the sky and horizon is required. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular.

eSIM/SIM and carrier support

While Roadside Assistance via satellite does not use traditional cellular towers, it still relies on certain network and service dependencies. An active SIM card or eSIM is necessary for the device to function.

What are the benefits of Roadside Assistance via satellite?

For roadside assistance providers, the benefits of messaging customers without cellular service translate directly into enhanced service offerings and competitive advantages, such as:

Reach beyond limitations

Traditional roadside assistance relies heavily on cellular networks. Remote areas, national parks, and stretches of highway with poor coverage become “black holes” for communication. This technology ensures that help can reach anyone, anywhere, regardless of cellular infrastructure.

Immediate connection in critical moments

The stress of even a minor accident, amplified by “no signal,” highlights the value of a connection when it matters most. Roadside Assistance via satellite provides a direct line of assistance, bypassing the delays associated with searching for a signal.

Enhanced location accuracy

The ability to share precise location updates allows roadside assistance providers to pinpoint the user’s location accurately. Optimized dispatch and navigation are crucial for rapid response, especially in remote or challenging terrains.

Reliable communication in unpredictable situations

Roadside emergencies are inherently unpredictable. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine trouble, or a more serious accident, Roadside Assistance via satellite provides a reliable communication channel when traditional methods fail, ensuring assistance can be coordinated effectively.

How does it work?

Let’s walk through the user journey and demonstrate how Roadside Assistance via satellite translates into practical assistance for drivers in need.

Request for help

Users initiate a roadside assistance request through their iPhone, and follow onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite. After choosing Roadside Assistance to request help for their vehicle, the user is presented with a simple triage menu where they can quickly tap options like “Locked out,” “Vehicle stuck,” “No fuel or charge,” etc. There’s also a field to specify any equipment the user has, such as a spare tire, jack, or specific tools.

Location sharing

Upon initiating the request, iPhone allows the user to transmit the location GPS coordinates to the roadside assistance provider.

Text communication

Text messages, limited to 500 characters, allow for essential communication between the user and the assistance provider.

Additionally, the feature provides a clear communication interface for providers. Roadside assistance companies will see a satellite icon to differentiate messages and have a zoomable map feature to assist the end user.

Support that reaches drivers off the grid

Enabling communication beyond traditional cellular coverage allows roadside assistance providers to support customers in places that were once unreachable. The result is faster response, better location accuracy, and greater confidence for drivers who find themselves off the grid. As expectations for always-on support continue to grow, satellite-enabled assistance helps ensure that “no signal” no longer means no help.