Select 2015 models from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac will offer a Wi-Fi hotspot to passengers. Through OnStar and AT&T, the vehicles will be able to connect up to 7 Wi-Fi devices to the Internet through its 4G LTE connectivity on AT&T’s network.
The Chevy Malibu will be the first vehicle to offer the additional connectivity. More than thirty additional models will follow before the year ends. The WiFi hotspot has the benefit of prolonging your device’s battery and having a better antenna than your mobile device. The system also uses this connectivity with your OnStar subscription to improve the services offered such as remote access and sending vehicle diagnostics to a preferred dealer.
Chevrolet
Spark
Spark EV*
Sonic
Cruze
Volt
Malibu
Impala
SS
Corvette
Trax
Equinox
Tahoe*
Suburban*
Colorado
Silverado
Silverado HD*
Buick
Encore
Verano
Regal
LaCrosse
GMC
Terrain
Yukon*
Yukon XL*
Canyon
Sierra
Sierra HD*
Cadillac
ATS sedan
ATS coupe
CTS sedan
XTS
ELR
SRX
Escalade*
Escalade ESV
The asterisk (*) indicates that early 2015 builds of those models may not have the connectivity available but it will be available later in the model year.
This could bring a whole new experience to roadtrips and tailgating. It could also lead to a new interpretation of wardriving.
Data will be priced and capped, of course. The cheapest plan for US customers provides 200MB and costs $5 for OnStar subscribers, $10 for non-subscribers.
You can see the full plan options from the GM press release and the AT&T announcement.