The SPOT Satellite Messenger was launched in August of 2007 as a personal tracker able to send messages to family and friends using satellite communication. Now the new SPOT Assist service will provide GPS based roadside assistance. This is an optional service for $129.00 per year. By just pressing the help button the customer will receive road side service around the clock from anywhere in the continental U.S. and (Canada later this spring). Unlike the OnStar service which uses positioning data from cellular networks the SPOT uses true GPS positioning giving a more accurate location. Also unlike the OnStar service that uses cellular networks that could be out of range when needed the SPOT is 100% satellite, meaning it will work from virtually anywhere in or outside of cellular networks.
When the help button is pressed on the SPOT satellite messenger with optional SPOT Assist service a national roadside response center is alerted with the users GPS location. The national roadside assistance service will then locate the user and provide towing, auto-accident assistance, fuel service, tire repair, battery service, lost key and lockout service.
In addition to the roadside assistance service the standards SPOT service can send messages to the user’s contacts letting them know they are OK and their location. The optional tracking service sends and saves the users location and allows family and friends to track their progress using Google maps. The 911 button will alert an emergency rescue center of your GPS location.
Since the SPOT Satellite Messengers introduction the service has helped in over 100 rescues, many of which saved lives and has transmitted over 5 million messages.
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