Life-Saving Satellite Technology in Your Pockets: A New Tool for Emergency Calls for When Disaster Strikes

Natural disasters have become more common in recent times. It can be due to a combination of several factors including climate change, improved reporting, and more extreme weather. Traditional communication networks are more likely to fail first during a natural disaster. This frequently results in individuals being subjected to isolation, thereby placing them at risk.

So, innovative satellite technologies are stepping up as a vital resource for emergency communication. 

If you own an iPhone 14 or models after it, or a Google Pixel 9, then there is a piece of great news for you. These devices can help you harness the power of satellite technology to connect with emergency services or reach out to loved ones, even in the most remote and challenging circumstances. Just with the ease of sharing your location, without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, hundreds of residents in North Carolina remained unaccounted for. The storm’s devastating impact caused extensive damage to infrastructure, resulting in communication breakdowns that made it challenging to find missing people. In a situation like this, this tech will indefinitely become a lifesaver. 

With the latest version of iOS 18 released, your iPhone must have the compatible software to use Apple’s satellite connectivity.

Here are the steps provided by Apple for how to access the satellite connection demo:-

1. Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone to open the Control Center.

2. Tap the Cellular button in the Control Center.

3. Select Satellite, then tap “Try Demo.”

4. For satellite connection instructions, choose “Try Connecting to Satellite.”

5. To understand how Emergency SOS via satellite works, select “Try Emergency SOS.”

6. Tap on any satellite feature for additional information.

Here are the steps for Android users: Using Satellite SOS via your Pixel phone:-

Note: Only the Google Pixel 9 is equipped with this capability. Read here for detailed info.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app Settings.

2. Tap Safety & emergency and then Satellite SOS android satellite.

3. Follow the demo instructions.