GM, AT&T to Team on 5G Automotive Connectivity

General Motors and AT&T are working together to bring 5G cellular connectivity to millions of U.S.-built GM vehicles over the next decade.

The fifth-generation cellular network architecture will meet the needs of an all-electric and autonomous future, the companies say in a news release.

Network enhancements will include:

5G connectivity initially will be available in select 2024-model-year vehicles. And through GM’s fifth-generation network, current 4G LTE-equipped 2019-model-year 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 2019-model-year and newer vehicles will easily migrate to the new network infrastructure once available, GM and AT&T say. The automaker says it has no plan to upgrade existing cars with 5G hardware.

This rollout is part of the companies’ strategy to launch the world’s largest fleet of 5G-enabled vehicles and is the culmination of a 2-year collaboration, including test-driving connected vehicles at GM’s 5G proving grounds in Milford, MI.

AT&T’s existing 5G network covers more than 250 million people across the U.S. Over the past five years, AT&T has invested more than $110 billion in its wireless and wireline networks, including capital investments and acquisitions of wireless spectrum and operations.

GM offers OnStar (pictured, below) and Connected Services 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, the automaker says.

OnStar (002)_1

To support GM’s innovation and delivery of next-generation connected vehicle solutions, AT&T and Microsoft are combining the speed and reliability of AT&T’s 5G network with Microsoft’s scalable and secure cloud services, the companies say.

The 4G LTE and 5G network improvements will be key components of GM’s over-the-air update strategy, and 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, the automaker says.

GM’s fifth-generation network will also provide a strong foundation as the automaker advances technologies 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,” says Santiago Chamorro, GM vice president-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.”

Adds Gregory Wieboldt, AT&T senior vice president-Global Business, Industry Solutions,  

“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.”

AT&T and GM have been working together since launching in-vehicle wi-fi hotspots in 2014, adding WarnerMedia’s robust library of streaming premium content in 2020.

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