Chevrolet Partners With AT&T to Roll Out 4G-Connected Cars in 2014

[DamianTV]

http://www.industryweek.com/information-technology/chevrolet-roll-out-4g-connected-cars

LAS VEGAS -- The new Chevrolets coming out this year will be faster -- on the information superhighway.

The General Motors division said Sunday it would deploy fourth generation (4G) Internet connections on several models to help motorists who want to stay connected with the growing number of apps for automobiles.

Chevy will allow the 4G connections with Long Term Evolution (LTE) in a partnership with AT&T.

"Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry," said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet, who added that the move "is indicative of our broad commitment to deliver more value and convenience through smart technology applications."

The high-speed connections will allow for a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows passengers in a vehicle to use tablets or other devices, or to watch videos via the Internet in vehicles which have screens.

The 4G cars will for now only be sold in the United States and Canada, according to the Chevrolet announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

"This technology is not just for the rich and famous," Batey said at a news conference.

"You're going to be connected everywhere."

Initially 10 vehicle models will get the 4G connections by mid-2014 but more will be added, he said.

The auto sector's presence is growing at CES with a large number of carmakers and related technology firms showing their wares at the huge electronics expo opening Tuesday.

The service links with GM's OnStar service to apps and services that require a high speed cellular or data connection. Current AT&T customers will be able to add their vehicle to a shared data plan or purchase a standalone option.

Chevrolet said its AppShop includes programs for data, music, news, weather, travel information and more. Some of the current apps include iHeartRadio, Priceline.com The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio and Cityseeker.

My, what a big "Network" you have!

All the better to MONITOR you with!

 

[muh_roads]

"Hastings" all the ppl who step out of line.

 

[silverhandorder]

They can do w/e they want with you now. They don't need internet connected cars. And even so unless you are a ludite I don't know why this is a bad thing.

 

[Origanalist]

GMCAT&T?

 

[purplechoe]

"You're going to be connected everywhere."

 

[libertywanter]

Excellent, not only more ways to track us but adds some more cost to new vehicles also. Win-Win situation

 

[DamianTV]

They can do w/e they want with you now. They don't need internet connected cars. And even so unless you are a ludite I don't know why this is a bad thing.

In and of itself it isnt good or bad, its how it is used. The problem is that it will become a tool for abuse and control. Didnt pay your car insurance? Well we can't let you drive your car. Already proposed all over the Euro Zone is mandatory Breathalyzers to even start your car on EVERY car. Yeah, no way that could ever backfire. Like for an Asthmatic who blows a False Positive. Tied in with Internet, failing a brealalyzer will tell them every single time you fail, regardless of false positives.