AT&T in partnership with Autonet Mobile, is making connected cars smarter by offering its integrated telematics solution for customers whose vehicles are powered by AT&T's 4G LTE network. By using the Autonet Mobile App on their smartphones, customers can control their connected cars remotely, allowing them to execute functions such as lock and unlock a vehicle remotely, manage teenage driving through parental controls, check car health reports to keep it in top shape, use in-car Wi-Fi and more. The other benefits that Autonet Mobile offers to car makers are over-the-air updates and vehicle diagnostics. Autonet Mobile currently provides connected car services to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors, Maserati, Subaru and other major auto brands.partners.
In addition to Autonet, AT&T also announced an upgraded plug-in solution, the Car Connection 2.0, which offers enhanced functions designed to increase safety, control and convenience in the car. The app features control functions such as driver scores delivered based on driving habits, allowing parents to monitor teenager's driving behaviour and set up special zones where the vehicle is allowed to go. This is an upgrade from the current Audiovox Car Connection Elite product, and according to AT&T, existing customers can upgrade to the new Car Connection 2.0 solution by downloading the upgraded app to their smartphone while new customers can purchase the plug-in device for $99 plus $10 a month for a data plan from AT&T.
AT&T has been beefing up its Connected Car offering rapidly in the past year. The company boasts an innovation center in Atlanta, the AT&T Drive Studio and has been working on its global automotive solution and development platform, the AT&T Drive. Via the AT&T Drive Studio, which is a working lab and a showroom that exbihits its latest innovations in the connected car space, AT&T works directly with companies in developing services that meet the specific needs of automakers and their connected car platforms, and extends to providing the entire suite of connected car solutions covering billing solutions, data analytics and infotainment content.
We can bring our powerful 4G LTE network to more drivers and a wide variety of vehicles. We’re excited to deliver a superior connected car experience for cars using Autonet Mobile telematics. This collaboration will bring remote access, over-the-air software updates and in-car Wi-Fi to more car owners.
Sterling Pratz, Co-Founder, Autonet Mobile
The pairing of AT&T and Autonet will drive new innovation based on the Autonet TRU Technology/App platform specifically designed for cars. Offerings such as automotive over-the-air updates will work well with the higher quality network that AT&T’s 4G LTE can provide.
