GM and AT&T Partner for 5G Connectivity in 2024 Vehicles

Enhanced Connectivity Coming to GM Vehicles with 5G

General Motors and AT&T are preparing to introduce 5G connectivity into a selection of Chevy, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles beginning with the 2024 model year. This collaboration is expected to deliver more dependable software updates, accelerated navigation and download speeds, and improved coverage along roadways.

Benefits for Existing 4G LTE Models

Company executives detailed during a press conference that the implementation of 5G architecture will also positively impact GM models already equipped with 4G LTE, specifically those from the 2019 model year onwards. Vehicle owners of eligible models will be able to transition to the new network infrastructure with ease, once it becomes available.

Santiago Chamorro, GM’s VP of global connected services, explained that vehicles with 4G capabilities (model year 2019 and later) will experience performance enhancements as AT&T continues to upgrade its infrastructure. These improvements will be noticeable to drivers.

The Promise of 5G and Network Maturity

5G technology has been widely anticipated for its potential to significantly increase speed and decrease latency across numerous industries. While widespread adoption has been slower than initially predicted, this announcement signals AT&T’s confidence in its 5G network’s ability to support “millions” of connected vehicles by 2024.

The slower-than-expected network rollout initially hindered the realization of 5G’s full potential, but the situation is evolving.

Seamless Migration and Minimal Updates

Tom DeMaria, GM’s executive director of global connected services, clarified that the performance improvements will not necessitate a substantial software update from GM. Instead, vehicles will be “seamlessly migrated” to the new network.

The Importance of Connectivity for Modern Vehicles

Reliable and faster connectivity is becoming increasingly vital for automakers. Nearly all manufacturers are integrating complex in-car software features and utilizing wireless over-the-air updates to maintain the functionality of various systems, from entertainment to battery operation in electric vehicles.

This connectivity is also crucial for the advancement of technologies like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are becoming a key differentiator for automakers.

Super Cruise and GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform

General Motors has developed Super Cruise, a suite of SAE Level 2 features that can temporarily assume vehicle control under specific conditions, requiring the driver to remain attentive. This system serves as GM’s counterpart to Tesla’s Autopilot, and it is important to note that neither system constitutes fully “self-driving” technology.

These features, along with infotainment systems, operate within GM’s vehicle intelligence platform, which represents the underlying hardware architecture.

Synergy Between Network and Vehicle Technology

“Network connectivity complements GM’s advancements in both hardware and software exceptionally well,” added Chamorro. The combination of robust network infrastructure and sophisticated vehicle technology will deliver an enhanced driving experience.