The NRMA has partnered with Apple to provide access to roadside assistance via satellite for iPhone users.
From Monday 15 September, Australians with an iPhone 14 or later – including the newly announced iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max - will be able to connect to Roadside Assistance via satellite, giving them peace of mind when they’re travelling beyond mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.
Australia’s vast distances and low population density make satellite coverage a particularly useful feature for NRMA members driving long distances in low coverage areas throughout the country.
The satellite roadside function will operate throughout Australia and will connect drivers with roadside assistance, ensuring NRMA members have access to essential help right across the country, regardless of where they have broken down and will allow the NRMA to get to stranded drivers faster and provide added assurance for members.
“Around half of NRMA members live in regional and rural areas and the rest will go on at least one road trip a year, so this technology will be very useful and give further peace of mind for our members when on the road,” an NRMA spokesperson said.
“When drivers break down in areas without cell coverage, they’re often forced to flag passing vehicles or walk considerable distances. Not only is roadside assistance via satellite faster and more convenient, it also safer and helps us to find members using exact GPS coordinates,” they added.
Non-members can also access the roadside assistance function with prompts, allowing stranded drivers to join NRMA roadside and request assistance immediately.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite is specifically tailored for non-emergency situations, with the SOS function available for critical emergencies. The roadside function fills a gap where emergency assistance isn’t required, but drivers still require non-urgent assistance.
Already operating in the UK and USA, Apple users with recent model iPhones can activate the internal satellite through the phone’s control centre and follow the prompts to connect to the NRMA for roadside assistance. Users can select the issue they need assistance with before texting the NRMA directly.
