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GM to redefine in-vehicle connectivity, starting next month

Up to seven users will be able to pair with the Wi-Fi hotspot at once, whether in or around the vehicle.


Up to seven users will be able to pair with the Wi-Fi hotspot at once, whether in or around the vehicle.

GM is about to redefine the term ‘connected vehicle’.

Next month the automaker will release the first-ever in-car Wi-Fi system, allowing occupants to connect to a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The release will begin with a three-month trail period or three gigabytes of data (whichever comes first).

The system will initially launch in the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, with 30 additional Wi-Fi- equipped Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet models to follow.

The system, known as OnStar 4G LTE, casts a Wi-Fi signal in and around the vehicle (including the tailgate) for users to access. The Wi-Fi network will be accessible on a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, with up to seven users able to connect at any time. The Wi-Fi system is activated when the vehicle is turned.

Pricing
Customers subscribed to OnStar Safe & Sound or Directions & Connections will be able to access the service later this year, starting at just $10 a month. The rest of the prices, for OnStar subscribers and non-subscribers, are below.

Data/Month 200 MB 1 GB 3 GB 5 GB
OnStar Subscriber $10 $20 $40 $60
Non-Subscriber $15 $25 $40 $60

For those that would like a longer plan or just need access for the day, a one-time fee schedule is also available: Subscribers can get 1-day/250mb of data for $5 or a 12-month/10GB package for $200, while non-subscribers will pay $5 for 1-day/250mb and $250 for the 12-month/10GB package.

Most 2015 vehicles will come standard with a five-year OnStar Basic Plan plus six months of OnStar Directions & Connections. The following 2015 vehicles are available with OnStar 4G LTE:

2015 Model Year Retail Vehicle Models Available With OnStar 4G LTE

Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
Spark
Sonic
Cruze
Volt
Malibu
Impala
Corvette
TraxEquinox
Tahoe*
Suburban*
Colorado
Silverado
Silverado HD*
Encore
Verano
Regal
LaCrosse
Terrain
Yukon*
Yukon XL*
Canyon
Sierra
Sierra HD*
ATS sedan
ATS coupe
CTS sedan
XTS
ELR
SRX
Escalade*
Escalade ESV*
*Not available at start of production.  Available later in the model year.
Stronger than a smartphone signal, even people around the vehicle or in the tailgate can connect to the 4G LTE Wi-Fi network!


Stronger than a smartphone signal, even people around the vehicle or in the tailgate can connect to the 4G LTE Wi-Fi network!

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!