Buick Offers 4G LTE Connectivity

Buick OnStar 4G LTE

Buick will begin offering 4G LTE high-speed data connectivity in most of its 2015 models, which go on sale starting in the summer. The feature will provide passengers with a mobile WiFi hotspot that will allow them to use mobile devices to check their email, surf the Internet, stream video or music, and even play online games while on the go. The high-speed data connection will accommodate up to seven mobile devices at a time.

2015 models that will be offered with the OnStar 4G LTE hardware as standard equipment are the LaCrosse, Verano, Regal, and Encore. Owners can purchase data packages separately. Buick is excited about the new feature since it provides a quicker data connection than the 3G connections that are available in some competing vehicles. The service is available in the United States and Canada and will become a standard feature in every Buick starting with the 2016 model year. The 4G data connection will be offered by AT&T, meaning anyone who already has an account with AT&T can add their car to a shareable data pool as part of the company’s Mobile Share plans.

Models that are outfitted with the OnStar 4G LTE hardware will also be able to connect to the Buick AppShop. Vehicle owners will be able to download apps for their car, plus stream data like Internet radio services, using only the vehicle’s infotainment system instead of a mobile device. Buick says the Buick AppShop will grow in size over time with the addition of new apps. So far, the automaker has announced the available apps will include Eventseeker, Glympse, iHeartRadio, the Weather Channel, Priceline.com, NPR, Slacker Radio, Cityseeker, and Kaliki.