Leonard Nimoy told a director of western that he knew how to ride a horse when he had never ridden one in his life.

I don't recall ever using a phone for this purpose or it being used on my behalf. Perhaps because my parents weren't rich enough for this scenario.
I think that, in general, there was an expectation that people would have to be responsible for solving problems without direct communication. Got a flat tire? Well, change it. Find a tire place in town to patch the hole and then swap out the spare in a complete downpour is some previously unknown spot in Kentucky. Then keep driving. Whatever the problem is, solve it.
Before cell phones, let alone smartphones, it was natural to improvise solutions to problems.

Obligatory Far Side.