WIN powers AA mobile Roadwatch service to deliver traffic information on-the-go

Introduction

The AA is the UK's leading motoring organisation and every day around 15 million members rely on its essential roadside support. Although it is more commonly recognised for its rapid response to emergency calls from troubled drivers, the proactive work it does to support drivers throughout their journey is equally as important.

The Challenge

AA Roadwatch has long provided an online service to UK motorists, delivering real-time traffic information to help them avoid congestion that is likely to disrupt their journey. However, consumers are increasingly accessing information ‘on-the-go’ so they can act upon the latest alerts.

The Solution

In April 2009, the AA introduced the Roadwatch service to its mobile customers. By calling 84322, ‘the AA’ on a mobile phone keypad or, 0906 88 84322 from a landline, motorists can now access 24-hour live traffic information. Customers are also able to report an incident via the services and set up traffic text alerts for motorways and major A-roads you use regularly.  Furthermore, the service is available to anyone; it is not exclusive to AA members.

The 24-hour live traffic information, available via the AA mobile Roadwatch service is supplied by Trafficmaster and allows users to access information on traffic conditions, as well as listen to weather forecasts. Trafficmaster continually updates the traffic situation for each region and supplies the pre-recorded information, that the customer hears when they dial the shortcode.

How does WIN help?

In order for the mobile Roadwatch service to work, regardless of the customer’s mobile operator or handset, a single shortcode has to be routed through all six mobile networks.  Since the onset of the service WIN has provided the back-end infrastructure and call-routing technologies that enable the complicated design of the service to appear as a simple and efficient shortcode process to the customer.

WIN offers the experience and expertise that the AA required in order to take the Roadwatch service to the mobile phones of its customers. As well as overcoming the technological difficulties, WIN provides consultancy for the AA on regulations relating to the running of premium rate services such as this.

“As a trusted motoring organisation, we strive to deliver useful and innovative services that consumers really need,” said, Jeff Triner, from AA Media Ltd. “Consumers are increasingly reliant on their mobiles to access all types of information on the go and this service compliments this trend.  It is important that we are on hand to help motorists from the beginning through to the end of their journey, and the mobile Roadwatch service, supported by WIN, allows us to do just that.”