AT&T and Tesla Motors have entered into a new multi-year exclusive agreement to enable current and future Tesla electric vehicles in North America with high speed wireless connectivity.
AT&T connectivity will power Tesla’s remote engine diagnostics, telematics, and industry-leading infotainment features such as Internet radio, Web browsing, live traffic, weather and navigation, all accessed through the 17-inch touchscreen.
“It’s an honor to work with a company as innovative as Tesla on delivering a connected experience inside automobiles for both drivers and passengers,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility.
“Tesla’s goal has always been to catalyze the market for electric vehicles for all consumers while providing an exceptional driving experience,” said Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla. “AT&T’s advanced and reliable wireless connectivity will help Tesla continue to deliver a cutting-edge ownership experience.”
In addition, AT&T announced yesterday two major initiatives to lead innovation in the connected car market – a first-of-its-kind connected car innovation center in Atlanta, called the AT&T Drive Studio, and a new global automotive solution and development platform, now called AT&T Drive.
AT&T Drive Studio features a working lab, showroom to build and exhibit the latest innovations, and serves as an overall hub where AT&T can work hand in hand with companies and respond to opportunities presented by automotive manufacturers.
AT&T Drive is the company’s connected car platform – a modular and flexible, global solution that allows automakers to pick and choose what services and capabilities are important to them and allows them to differentiate their solutions in the marketplace. From connectivity and billing solutions to data analytics and infotainment, this platform will allow auto makers and developers to develop their own innovative and customized connected car solutions, now and in the future.
AT&T already provides mobile internet access in vehicles manufactured by both domestic and foreign automobile makers. AT&T was the first to enter the market with a proprietary, global SIM platform which made it possible for automotive, consumer and M2M equipment makers to work through a single carrier to wirelessly enable and connect products across the globe, and cars are being sold throughout world today with this SIM.
