A partnership between Ford and AT&T has yielded connected car Wi-Fi hotspots. Beginning this fall, Ford will be offering LTE Wi-Fi hotspots on select 2018 models equipped with Ford SYNC Connect touch and voice-activated communications control technology.
Connecting to AT&T’s 4G LTE network, SYNC Connect vehicles will support as many as 10 devices simultaneously. An external antenna boosts signals and offers improved performance. When parked wireless connectivity extends out to 50 feet, Ford highlights in a news release.
Connected Car Wi-Fi Hotspots
New buyers of 2018 Ford cars with the appropriate hardware built in will receive a free trial subscription that will last for three months or three gigabytes, whichever comes first. Service is limited in terms of coverage and isn’t available everywhere, Ford points out.
Ford’s SYNC 3 monitors data usage, signal strength and connected devices, which can be blocked at vehicle owners’ discretion. Users can also change device settings using SYNC 3’s touchscreen. Using FordPass, users can view Wi-Fi data usage and connect to AT&T’s account management portal.
Those who already have AT&T accounts can share data among vehicles, smartphones and tablets by using the AT&T Mobile Share Advantage or Mobile Share Value plans. Alternatively, users can choose a standalone AT&T data plan for their vehicle.
Connected car applications are on the rise. Volvo Cars recently announced it is the first automaker to incorporate Skype for Business in cars, more specifically the Volvo 90 Series line.
