AUSTIN, Texas – As connected cars fuel the next evolution in the “Internet of Things,” what was once a simple means of transportation is now ready to connect like never before.
In 2015, General Motors and AT&T are teaming up to provide this connection by equipping 30 GMC models with LTE network connection capability.
At the 2014 IEEE GlobeCom conference in Austin, Texas, AT&T’s Todd Rose provided an inside look at the new technology and spoke about the future of connected cars.
Rose said of the LTE-enabled GMC models, “obviously bringing the LTE in and having Wi-Fi, you can do anything you want, you can surf the Internet, watch videos, things like that, so that’s a huge advantage to it.”
Other features include a service app that allows you to check your gas levels and tire pressure, keep track of when your car needs an oil change and locate your vehicle using GPS from a smartphone or other mobile device.
And whether it is helping to cut down on distractions from your kids or connecting with existing traffic infrastructure, safety is key. Rose believes a more connected car is a safer car, both now and in the future.
“We’re focusing on safety, driver safety, so bringing different applications into the vehicle in order for the driver to be less distracted … you’re going to see those types of services roll out in the next few years.”
Speaking of the future, in case you were wondering if this means the self-driving car you have been waiting for has arrived, Rose says not so fast, “No, this does not drive itself just yet, but that’s certainly the future the automobile is moving toward.”
If you are an AT&T customer, you can get the LTE service in your vehicle for $10 per month on your family plan.
For more videos from the 2014 IEEE GlobeCom conference, check out RCR Wireless News’s youtube channel.
