T-Mobile is claiming the first 5G connected cars in the U.S., as the carrier introduced a postpaid plan with unlimited voice, 5G and Wi-Fi hotspot data for select 2022 BMW vehicles.
The new connected car plan, called Magenta Drive for BMW, costs $20 per month with autopay, plus taxes and fees. It’s available now and supported on the 2022 and newer BMW iX and x4 models. It requires an additional line, which T-Mobile voice subscribers can tack onto their wireless plan, while non-T-Mobile wireless customers would need to first add a new line. Users sign up through the My BMW app. SMS messaging isn’t supported.
It noted that those using more than 50 GB of data per month will see lower speeds during congestion and video streams on smartphones and tablets are typically restricted to SD quality.
“In 2019 we lit up the first nationwide 5G network, and today we mark another milestone that builds on our 5G leadership,” said Callie Field, president of T-Mobile Business Group, in a statement. “In another 5G first, we’ve delivered America’s first 5G connected cars, and we’re honored to do it together with BMW, who entrust their vehicles’ connectivity to T-Mobile.”
The BMW vehicles support 5G connectivity for both T-Mobile’s lower band n71 (600 MHz) “Extended Range 5G” and mid-band n41 (2.5 GHz) “Ultra Capacity” 5G.
The cars feature embedded 5G connectivity in the vehicle via an embedded SIM, according to a T-Mobile spokesperson. Other connectivity details weren’t immediately available, but the carrier said a stronger, more stable cellular connection for 5G in-car data and Wi-Fi is delivered using “advanced antenna systems.” A Q&A section on the company’s website noted the BMW vehicles have a 5G antenna and are equipped with personal eSIM capability. The in-car personal eSIM support is required so customers can add their BMW to an existing mobile phone plan, leverage the 5G antenna and provide in-car Wi-Fi hotspots.
According to T-Mobile, as many as 10 devices can be connected at the same time, with unlimited 5G hotspot data. It touted other features like the ability to leave your phone at home by using in-car calling on users’ personal cell phone number.
The plan also covers voice calls on T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
The new plan comes as part of a long-term agreement between T-Mobile and BMW to deliver unlimited voice calling and unlimited 5G data to the automaker’s vehicles.
T-Mobile competitors AT&T and Verizon have each announced 5G connected car deals with major automakers. AT&T signed a 5G auto deal with GM in August 2021 while Verizon’s inked a 5G win with Audi this past February. Both were firsts for each of the carriers and start with select year 2024 models.
Those vehicles will come with embedded 5G connectivity, and AT&T expects to have 5G in “millions of GM vehicles” over the next 10 years. Audi didn’t disclose vehicle figures but Pom Malhotra, senior director of Connected Services at Audi America, told Fierce that the Verizon deal marked a shift in vehicle hardware itself. “Within the span of a year or so you’ll pretty much have every vehicle on 5G” after a cutoff date for when that hardware changeover happens, he said last month.
For Audi, the cellular technology will be used to support not only 5G-capable devices, but enhance aspects like vehicle performance, in-car experiences and safety.
On the connected car data plan front, AT&T earlier this month added HBO Max to the mix, charging $30 per month for access to content plus in-vehicle Wi-Fi. AT&T charges $20 per month for its lowest-cost unlimited in-car Wi-Fi data plan, which are also open to non-AT&T wireless subscribers.