OnStar to Add 4G Connectivity Starting in Summer

General Motors is making a push to modernize its OnStar concierge service starting with handful of 2015 model year vehicles this summer.

The Detroit automaker said yesterday that it will begin rolling out the new service with the Corvette, Malibu, Impala and Volt, but that it will extend the mobile connectivity to the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV along along with the Canada-specific Chevrolet Trax soon after. GM’s rollout will transform included vehicles into mobile WiFi hotspots that will be offered in “most” Chevrolet products through a partnership with AT&T.

“Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet.

While Chevrolet didn’t announce pricing information, it said the service will allow users to include data use with existing AT&T Mobile Share plans if they choose with the option for standalone service as well.

But the plan goes beyond offering a WiFi hotspot. Through the Chevrolet “AppShop,” the company will also offer a list of applications including Vehicle Health, iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

It wont stop there, either.

“The built-in 4G LTE connection will allow our vehicles to be updated with the latest software and apps,” said General Motors connected car boss Mary Chan. “This means that the driver’s vehicle infotainment systems can keep getting better after purchase as customers can continue to add on and customize their features.”

During the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last year, both Ford and General Motors announced developer platforms for their in-car software systems.

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