Apple device users who find themselves out of mobile network coverage in Iceland can now send SMS messages to the country’s Emergency Line (Neyðarlínan) via satellite, according to Vísir. This new feature is intended to improve access to emergency services, especially in remote areas.
Ármann Gestsson, deputy chief and head of emergency call response at Neyðarlínan, explained how the system works: “If people lose phone and network connection, a satellite icon appears.” This allows users to contact emergency services when traditional mobile service is unavailable, he told Vísir.
Details about how the satellite SMS feature works in practice, such as what happens when users attempt to place an emergency call, have not been fully clarified yet. It is also not yet clear whether there are any limitations, such as specific Apple device models, software versions, or possible costs for users.
Sources
- Vísir (first reported) in Icelandic
