NRMA adds iPhone roadside help via satellite

Ever been stranded with a car that won’t start and no mobile reception to call for help? For many Australians, especially in regional, rural and remote areas, it’s a familiar worry. From Monday 15 September, that could change. Drivers with an iPhone 14 or newer — including the latest iPhone 17 models — will be able to connect to NRMA Roadside Assistance via satellite, even when they’re beyond mobile coverage. 

It’s the first time this technology has been available in Australia, and it could prove a lifeline for drivers heading into parts of the country where phone reception drops out. 

Why it matters  

Australia’s size and sparse population mean blackspots are a fact of life on long road trips. The NRMA answers millions of calls for help and breakdowns each year, but if help is needed outside a mobile service area, a flat battery or mechanical hiccup usually means waiting for another driver to pass or hiking to safety. This can pose serious safety concerns, especially when travelling alone or at night. 

The new roadside assistance via satellite aims to solve this problem, giving drivers a direct link to the NRMA. 

How Roadside Assistance via satellite works 

If your vehicle breaks down in an area without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage, use the steps at the bottom of this page to connect to a satellite. Your iPhone will then guide you through a quick set of questions about your situation. The phone then sends those details, including GPS coordinates, directly to the NRMA. From there, roadside staff can message you and dispatch help to your exact location. 

The feature taps into Apple’s existing Emergency SOS via satellite, which launched locally in 2023.  While Emergency SOS is meant for serious emergencies like accidents or life-threatening situations where you need an ambulance, fire service or police, this new roadside assistance function is designed specifically to safely connect you with the NRMA for help when you’re out of mobile coverage for non-emergency problems, such as a vehicle breakdown, flat battery, or mechanical issue.  

Who can use Roadside Assistance via satellite 

Roadside assistance via satellite will be included free for two years from activation of a new iPhone 14 or later running iOS 18.4 or above. Membership will be confirmed when you make a request, but non-members aren’t left out: they can sign up on the spot and get help straight away. 

There are a few limitations. The service is only available on or near public roads, not for off-road recovery, plus it requires a clear line of sight to the sky (so it can connect with a passing satellite.) Trees, heavy cloud cover or tall buildings may affect the signal. 

Peace of mind for road trippers 

Around half of NRMA members live in regional and rural areas, and many others head off on at least one long road trip each year. For them, this feature adds another layer of confidence when travelling in patchy reception zones. 

Carolyn Darke, NRMA’s Executive General Manager Roadside, said, “This innovation extends that safety net further than ever before. Australia is a vast country, and a breakdown in a remote area without mobile reception can be incredibly stressful.” 

“Apple’s satellite feature is a game-changer - this means Australians who would previously have been unreachable can now connect with the NRMA and get the support they need, when they need it most.” 

For drivers, it means less worry about being stuck up a creek with no paddle (or rather, up a dusty road with no reception!) and more confidence when things go wrong off the beaten track. 

Tips for using roadside assistance via satellite 

• Check your software: Make sure your iPhone 14 or later is running iOS 18.4 or above. 
• Know how long your iPhone has been activated: If it’s been activated for longer than two years, help will be dispatched and payment processed post-service. 
• Keep your phone charged: A flat battery won’t help in a breakdown. Plug your phone in while driving, and carry a power bank on long trips. 
• Find clear sky: Step outside and move away from trees or buildings for the best satellite signal. 
• Know the limits: The service only covers public roads. Off-road recovery still requires other arrangements. 

How to connect to a satellite with your iPhone 14 or above: 

1. Swipe down on the screen from the top right and open the Control Centre.
2. Select the Satellite option at the bottom of the screen.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite. 
4. Choose Roadside Assistance, and follow the prompts. 
5. Your iPhone will guide you through a short questionnaire to send details and location to the NRMA. 

For more information, see the Apple website to see how to use Roadside Assistance via satellite on your iPhone.