AT&T's Connected Car: Wi-Fi That Beats Your Mobile Device

Forbes

06-08-2025

As personal vehicles evolve into mobile technology platforms rather than merely serving as means of transportation, consumers now demand reliable, high-speed connectivity wherever they drive. To meet these expectations—and to provide connectivity that goes beyond what a standard mobile phone can offer—AT&T offers its Connected Car technology.
AT&T Connected Car technology is a set of services and hardware that allows your vehicle to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling internet connectivity on the road for all passengers. This technology uses your car's built-in cellular antenna—typically more powerful than a standard handheld mobile phone antenna—to connect to AT&T's 4G LTE or 5G network (covering most major highways and interstates in the United States). The system supports streaming, browsing, work, and smart assistants like Alexa and Google, both inside and around the vehicle—allowing passengers to stream video and music, play games, and catch up on work right from their vehicle.
While Connected Car technology may be added to many vehicles, many automakers (including General Motors, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti, Audi, and Volkswagen) offer integrated AT&T connected car technology, enabling new vehicles to be sold with factory-installed in-car Wi-Fi and connected features that run on AT&T's cellular network.
To understand more about the company's Connect Car offering, I interviewed Matt Harden, AVP business development at AT+T:
How would you explain how AT&T helps enable connected cars in simple, everyday language?
'AT&T works with the vast majority of automotive manufacturers to power their vehicles' connectivity with built-in AT&T Connected Car SIMs. This effectively turns the vehicle into a smartphone on wheels, providing connectivity for the vehicle's embedded features and applications on the head unit and passenger screens, as well as enabling the vehicle to broadcast its own Wi-Fi hotspot for brought-in devices. AT&T's network covers more roads than any other carrier, allowing customers to stay connected even on the go. Beyond convenience and entertainment, AT&T embedded SIMs provide peace of mind by enabling safety and security features and allowing remote over-the-air software updates when they're needed, not just when a customer can get to their local dealer.'
How extensive is AT&T's network coverage, especially in rural or remote areas?
'AT&T covers more roads than any other carrier across nationwide US Interstates, US Highways, State Highways, and other main roads. As the leading provider of connected car services in the US for over a decade, AT&T has invested heavily to expand its infrastructure in remote and rural areas. Our partnership with AST SpaceMobile will continue our commitment to keeping people connected even in less-populated areas.'
How is a vehicle with a built-in AT&T Connected Car SIM different from tethering your phone to the vehicle (e.g., Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, etc.)?
'AT&T's embedded Connected Car SIM provides continuous, reliable, and secure connectivity. Unlike tethering a smartphone for connectivity, connected vehicles using AT&T embedded SIMs are 'always on'—no cords, no hassle. Vehicle connectivity is designed for vehicles in motion, with stronger antennas that provide stronger, more reliable signal strength and less interruption than a mobile device, particularly in remote areas.'
Which automakers and models currently support AT&T in-car Wi-Fi, how can consumers check if their car is compatible, and is it possible to add this technology to older vehicles?
'More than 60 of the top global automotive brands trust AT&T with their connectivity needs. Consumers who are interested in AT&T In-Car Wi-Fi can check compatibility by visiting att.com/connectedcar and entering their VIN. Some of our partner automotive manufacturers also offer integrated sign-up via their OEM-branded mobile companion app and/or directly in the head unit under a Wi-Fi hotspot. Eligible vehicles can receive a free trial of in-car Wi-Fi service and can choose from monthly or annual plans.'
In terms of pricing, AT+T Connected Car plans typically cost around $10–$20 per month. They are available as add-ons to existing AT&T phone plans or as standalone subscriptions (there are often promotional trials for new vehicles). For older vehicles, AT&T offers HARMAN Spark, a plug-in device for most cars from 1996 onward, that provides LTE connectivity, vehicle diagnostics, security features, driving tips, on-demand roadside assistance, and in-app payments.
AT&T's Connected Car services deliver stronger, more reliable, and more comprehensive in-vehicle Wi-Fi than handheld phones. It's perfect for families needing dependable streaming for multiple passengers, frequent travelers (and adventurers) seeking consistent connectivity for navigation and emergency alerts, and business users requiring uninterrupted access to video calls, email, and cloud services—all without relying on a battery- and connection-dependant mobile phone.