AT&T to get future BMWs online, marque in danger of becoming Ultimate Downloading Machine
You'd have a hard time finding a car without power windows these days and, the way things are going, it won't be long before you'll have to look similarly hard for a disconnected car. The latest to push the trend is BMW, signing on with AT&T to enable the next-generation of Bimmers to have an always-on connection to pull down traffic information, weather conditions, and probably some less useful stuff too. No word on which cars this will first make an appearance in nor whether it'll allow for Leaf-like remote car maintenance nor, indeed, how much it will cost. For those answers and more you'll just have to wait for the future -- or look for a secret clue hidden in the PR below.
Show full PR text
AT&T to Provide Wireless Services for Enhanced Functionality to Premium Automaker
Enhanced Suite of Connected Services Delivered Over AT&T Mobile Broadband Network
DALLAS, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T*, the leader in emerging devices, today announced an agreement with BMW to wirelessly deliver an enhanced suite of safety and infotainment services to future BMW models.
These enhancements build on BMW's existing portfolio of connected services – known as BMW Assist – which includes, among others features, direct access to emergency and concierge call center services, traffic information and an online portal for weather forecasts, fuel prices, and news.
Contractual and financial details are not being disclosed. Information on enhanced services will be made available at launch.
"This is an exciting opportunity," said Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, resale and partnerships, AT&T. "BMW has been an industry leader in the connected vehicle space for many years and we look forward to providing the wireless network that will keep drivers connected to the content and services they rely on."
AT&T created its emerging device organization in late 2008 as part of a strategic initiative to introduce wireless capabilities to a host of new consumer electronics, tracking and healthcare devices, and other applications beyond the traditional handset.
The organization is a key component of AT&T's business strategy to further grow its wireless penetration and develop new distribution models - and it builds on AT&T's industry-leading work over the past decade with enterprise customers to enable specialty devices to access its wireless network.
AT&T, which offers the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, announced in October that more than 4.5 million connected devices had been added to the AT&T network in the past four quarters. The total third quarter emerging devices growth, which includes 1.2 million connected devices as well as embedded computing devices, was nearly 1.6 million.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at the AT&T Web Site. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at AT&T Newsroom, and as part of an RSS feed at AT&T RSS Feed. Or follow our news on Twitter @ATT. Find us on Facebook at the AT&T Facebook to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at AT&T Small Business Facebook to discover more about our small business services.
© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
