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.
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!
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