AT&T Mobility replaces T-Mobile US for all Audi in-car cellular connections
AT&T Mobility picked up the rest of Audi of America’s in-car connectivity business, announcing at this week’s Mobile World Congress event that all U.S.-based 2016 Audi models equipped with its Audi Connect feature will include LTE or 3G coverage using AT&T Mobility’s network.
The deal builds on the initial partnership between the two companies announced at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show that had AT&T Mobility providing LTE connectivity for the 2015 Audi A3. The latest extension appears to close the loop on T-Mobile US providing connectivity services to the carmaker, which was announced in 2011.
The latest announcement includes connectivity for most of Audi’s lineup, including the A3, S3, Q3, A4, S4, Allroad, A5, S5, Q5, SQ5, A6, S6, A7, S7, RS7, TT, TTS, A8 and S8 models. The connectivity will include access to traffic information and navigation services, over-the-air map updates, social media, and mobile application integration that is to include access to more than 7,000 Web-based radio stations.
Audi owners who are also AT&T Mobility customers can add access to their Mobile Share data plans, or can purchase access separately. AT&T Mobility said customers would be offered two separate pricing options, with a 5 gigabyte plan covering six months of service for $100 or a 30 GB plan covering 30 months for $500.
AT&T Mobility in 2013 stole away General Motor’s OnStar contract from Verizon Wireless, signing a multiyear agreement to provide an “enhanced suite of safety, security, diagnostic and infotainment services.” AT&T’s aggressive move into the automotive market is being supported by its AT&T Drive Studio based in Atlanta as well as a new platform dubbed AT&T Drive.
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