General Motors and AT&T are bringing 5G cellular connectivity to millions of GM vehicles coming off the assembly line over the next decade in the United States, an August 19 news release stated. The partnership is an attempt meet the needs of an all-electric and autonomous future.

The 5G network enhancements will include:

• Improved roadway-centric coverage 

• Faster music and video downloads with higher quality

• Faster, more reliable, and secure over-the-air software updates

• Faster navigation, mapping, and voice services

5G connectivity will first be available in select model year 2024 vehicles. Additionally, current 4G LTE-equipped model year 2019 and newer vehicles will experience faster connectivity speeds and many of the same performance benefits of future 5G-equipped vehicles. Current Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac owners in the U.S. with 4G LTE-capable model year 2019 and newer vehicles will be able to migrate to the new network infrastructure once available.

This rollout is part of GM and AT&T’s broad strategy to launch the world’s largest fleet of 5G-enabled vehicles and the culmination of a two-year collaboration, including test-driving connected vehicles at GM’s 5G proving grounds in Milford, Michigan.

AT&T's network covers more than 250 million people across the country. From 2016 to 2020, the company has invested more than $110 billion in its wireless and wireline networks.

GM's OnStar and Connected Services reaches more than 16 million customers in the U.S. and Canada. Since the launch of 4G LTE in 2014, GM owners have used more than 171 million GB of data across its brands.

To support GM’s innovation and delivery of next-gen connected vehicle solutions, AT&T and Microsoft are bringing together AT&T’s 5G network with Microsoft’s scalable and secure cloud services.

The 4G LTE and 5G network improvements will be foundational for the future of GM’s over-the-air update strategy. GM also plans advances to its Super Cruise and Vehicle Intelligence Platform technologies.