This forms part of the companies’ strategy to launch the world’s largest fleet of 5G-enabled vehicles.
The announcement follows a two-year collaboration that included test-driving connected vehicles on GM grounds in Milford, Michigan. The companies add that 4G LTE-equipped models from 2019 onwards will be able to migrate to the new infrastructure once available, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.
Network enhancements in 5G-enabled vehicles will include, faster and higher-quality navigation, mapping, voice, music and video services, as well as secure over-the-air software updates. Secure Microsoft cloud services will also be incorporated to aid delivery of next-generation connected vehicles.
“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 for industry solutions at AT&T.
Santiago Chamorro, vice president of global connected services at GM, added: “Together with AT&T, we’ve brought unprecedented experiences to the daily commute, family road trips and everything in between. This rollout demonstrates our commitment to growth through software-enabled services.”
AT&T and GM have worked together since launching in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots in 2014, with the two enabling connectivity features in millions of vehicles and last year adding WarnerMedia’s library of premium streaming content.
Meanwhile, AT&T’s 5G network currently covers more than 250 million people across the country, with the company having invested more than $110 billion in its wireless and wireline networks between 2016 and 2020.
