With the rapid expansion of 5th generation networks (5G) across the globe, the landscape of communications is changing. 5G networks will improve download speeds, reduce latency, and increase the capacity for more devices to reliably connect. Now, 5G is coming to a car near you.
General Motors currently offers OnStar and Connected Services to customers in the U.S. and Canada. Since 2014, these services have included 4G LTE network connectivity to facilitate rapid music and video streaming.
In anticipation of the future innovation afforded by 5G networks, GM recently announced its partnership with AT&T to bring 5G connectivity to millions of vehicles in the U.S. over the next decade. Both AT&T and GM are investing in automotive connectivity through their advanced 5G network to meet the needs of future drivers.
AT&T and GM: A Thriving Partnership
Starting with mobile in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots, AT&T and GM have worked together since 2014. GM then added the WarnerMedia library for streaming in 2020, and the company continues to provide best-in-class connectivity for vehicles across the country.
With their new 5G network, AT&T and GM are approaching their shared goal of launching the largest collection of 5G-enabled vehicles. The companies have worked together in Milford, Mich. to develop and test-drive 5G-connected vehicles over the past two years.
“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.”
To assist with GM’s production of next-generation vehicles, AT&T will deliver the 5G network, and Microsoft will join the partnership to provide secure cloud services.
A 5G Network to Meet Drivers’ Needs
With 5G-enabled vehicles, AT&T and GM will deliver an enhanced network with advanced features. Some of the most anticipated features include improved coverage for roadways across the U.S., faster and higher-quality music and movie downloads, and lightning-fast navigation and voice services. The 5G network will deliver all this in addition to rapid, secure, over-the-air software updates for an experience that continuously improves itself.
5G-enabled vehicles will first be available in select 2024 GM models. Additionally, all 4G LTE-enabled vehicles from 2019 onward will experience improved connectivity and many of the benefits available in 5G models. Once the infrastructure becomes available, the model year 2019 and later Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac cars will experience the benefits of faster network connectivity.
Over-the-air updates will also improve the customer experience and facilitate GM innovation, helping support Super Cruise, Vehicle Intelligence Platform, and other autonomous driving technologies.
“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 of Global Business, Industry Solutions at 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.”
Over the next several years, driving connectivity and vehicle Internet of Things (IoT) will rapidly expand with the support of 5G networks. With the most reliable 5G network in the U.S., AT&T supports more than 250 million people across the country and will continue to cement its 5G leadership through this partnership with GM.