This is the sort of not on device service that is very valuable.
A family member of mine was lucky to survive on a boating trip in a remote area when their canoe overturned and they had to continue on with wet clothes in cold weather. Fortunately they found a remote house to call for help. If this type of service was available they could’ve just waited safely for help.
I don’t believe Apple will ever charge for this. If someone was to die from not having a service plan it would be a PR disaster and it’s not a huge cost for them if they have a decent partnership agreement.