General Motors has announced pricing for its OnStar in-car Wi-Fi service, which uses AT&T’s 4G LTE network.
The connectivity option will launch in the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, but will be available in around 30 Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, and GMC models before the end of the year.
The system features its own Wi-Fi hotspot, and can accommodate up to seven devices per car. The hotspot is on as long as the car is.
“In addition to allowing consumers to bring in and connect to personal mobile devices, the vehicle will also act as its own mobile device, enabling embedded vehicle capabilities,” said Mary Chan, president, Global Connected Consumer, General Motors, in a press release announcing the service. “Turning this vision into a reality starts with enabling fast, reliable and responsive connectivity within the vehicle. Through this built-in 4G LTE connection we have the opportunity to reinvent the mobile experience inside a vehicle.”
GM will kick off 4G LTE service by offering customers three months or three gigabytes of data, whichever comes first. After that, customers will sign up for plans similar to those that come with a smartphone or tablet.
Plans start at $10 a month for 200 megabytes of data. One gigabyte ($15), 3 GB ($30), and 5 GB ($50) plans are also available. Current OnStar customers get a $5 discount on the 200 MB and 1 GB plans.
AT&T customers, meanwhile, can add their vehicles to an existing Mobile Share Plan for $10 per month.
“While our 4G LTE network will provide fast, reliable mobile broadband for GM’s connected vehicles, we’re also looking forward to working directly with GM researchers and engineers as well as the developer community to invent new in-vehicle applications that will take full advantage of our powerful network,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility, in the same press release.
OnStar 4G LTE will eventually become available on the majority of 2015 GM models, including the Chevy Volt, Corvette, and Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs.
It will also be available on most Buick models, the entire Cadillac line, the GMC Sierra and Canyon pickups, and the Yukon and Terrain SUVs.
UPDATED: A previous version of this article stated that OnStar 4G LTE would be available on all 2015 Buick models. It will not be available on the 2015 Buick Enclave.
