General Motors and AT&T Set Automotive Connectivity Benchmark with 5G

Rhea-AI Summary

General Motors and AT&T announced a partnership to integrate 5G cellular connectivity into GM vehicles over the next decade. This collaboration aims to enhance in-vehicle experiences with features like improved navigation, faster downloads, and secure software updates. The rollout will begin with select model year 2024 vehicles, while existing 4G LTE vehicles will also benefit from upgrades. This initiative aligns with GM's strategy for an all-electric and autonomous future, leveraging AT&T's extensive 5G network to set a new standard for automotive connectivity.

Positive

• Partnership with AT&T aims to deliver 5G connectivity to millions of GM vehicles.
• Enhancements include improved coverage, faster downloads, and secured updates.
• Existing 4G LTE vehicles will receive performance upgrades through the new network.
• Supports GM's transition towards electric and autonomous vehicle innovation.

Negative

• None.

DALLAS and DETROIT, Aug. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors and AT&T* will bring 5G cellular connectivity to millions of GM vehicles coming off the assembly line over the next decade in the United States. GM and AT&T are working together to set the benchmark for automotive connectivity with a fifth generation cellular network architecture to meet the needs of an all-electric and autonomous future.

GM and AT&T are collaborating to build a high performance 5G core network that delivers a new standard. Network enhancements will include:

• Improved roadway-centric coverage
• Faster music and video downloads with higher quality
• Faster, more reliable, and secure over-the-air software updates
• Faster navigation, mapping, and voice services

5G connectivity will first be available in select model year 2024 vehicles. Additionally, through GM's fifth generation network, current 4G LTE-equipped model year 2019 and newer vehicles will experience faster connectivity speeds and many of the same performance benefits of future 5G-equipped vehicles. Current Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners in the U.S. with 4G LTE-capable model year 2019 and newer vehicles will easily migrate to the new network infrastructure once available. 

This rollout is part of GM and AT&T's broad strategy to launch the world's largest fleet of 5G-enabled vehicles and the culmination of a two-year collaboration, including test-driving connected vehicles in GM's 5G proving grounds in Milford, Michigan.

AT&T has the nation's most reliable 5G network,¹ covering more than 250 million people across the country. From 2016 to 2020, AT&T invested more than $110 billion in its wireless and wireline networks, including capital investments and acquisitions of wireless spectrum and operations.

GM offers OnStar and Connected Services² to more than 16 million customers in the U.S. and Canada. Since the launch of 4G LTE in 2014, GM owners have used more than 171 million gigabytes of data across its brands, which is equivalent to nearly 5.7 billion hours of music streamed or more than 716 million hours of streaming video.

To support GM's rapid innovation and delivery of next generation connected vehicle solutions, AT&T and Microsoft are bringing together the speed and reliability of AT&T's 5G network with Microsoft's scalable and secure cloud services.

The 4G LTE and 5G network improvements will be foundational for the future of GM's growing over-the-air update strategy, an element of the automaker's overall innovation and growth plan. With more advanced features, robust software and faster download speeds, more data is accessible to provide a more convenient customer experience. GM's fifth generation network will also provide a strong foundation as the company advances its technology, such as Super Cruise and its Vehicle Intelligence Platform.

"Together with AT&T, we've brought unprecedented experiences to the daily commute, family road trips and everything in between," said Santiago Chamorro, GM vice president of Global Connected Services. "As an in-vehicle connectivity leader, this rollout demonstrates our commitment to growth through software-enabled services and reimagining every customer touchpoint by enabling faster connectivity speeds to power in-vehicle voice-enabled services, navigation, and apps that our customers have grown to love."

"By connecting millions of GM vehicles to our nationwide 5G network, we will improve the customer experience for existing services while laying the groundwork for the next wave of innovation including autonomous driving," said Gregory Wieboldt, senior vice president, Global Business, Industry Solutions, AT&T. "We now connect more vehicles than any other carrier and GM has played a critical role in our success. We're honored to work alongside GM to usher the next chapter of connected driving." 

AT&T and GM have been working together since launching in-vehicle Wi-Fi ® hotpots³ in 2014, adding WarnerMedia's robust library of streaming premium content in 2020 and enabling best-in-class connectivity features in millions of GM vehicles currently on the road.

When launched, GM will provide access for its strategic partners to connect over AT&T's 5G network, raising the bar for the interoperability and scale necessary to deliver future mobility services, such as e-commerce, smart city and vehicle-to-electric grid.

¹Based on nationwide GWS drive test data. GWS conducts drive tests for AT&T and uses the data in its analysis.
²Connected services include navigation services and Remote Access Plan. Data plans offered by AT&T. Services subject to user terms and limitations. Certain services require working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal. OnStar links to emergency services. Visit onstar.com for details. Availability subject to change.
³Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provides connectivity for up to seven Wi-Fi-capable devices. Connected devices use data from your plan. Returning devices connect automatically and use plan data unless hotspot is removed from returning device settings. Performance varies based on number of devices connected and other factors.

*About AT&T Communications

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.  

 

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SOURCE AT&T Communications

FAQ

What is the partnership between General Motors and AT&T about?

General Motors and AT&T are partnering to integrate 5G connectivity into GM vehicles, enhancing features like navigation and software updates.

When will 5G connectivity be available in GM vehicles?

5G connectivity will first be available in select model year 2024 vehicles.

How will current GM vehicles benefit from the 5G network?

Current 4G LTE-equipped model year 2019 and newer vehicles will experience faster connectivity and performance improvements.

What are the key features of the new 5G network for GM vehicles?

The new 5G network will provide improved roadway coverage, faster downloads, and secure over-the-air updates.

How does this partnership impact GM's future plans?

The partnership underpins GM's strategy for an all-electric future and the development of autonomous vehicles.

What kind of data usage has GM experienced with current services?

GM customers have used over 171 million gigabytes of data since the launch of 4G LTE in 2014.