Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) has joined up with AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) to provide a cell connection inside its vehicles. According to Roger Cheng of CNET, the connection will be used by the vehicles to not only deliver performance information about the vehicle for remote maintenance, but also offer Internet access inside Tesla’s cars themselves.
Tesla to bring a 3G or 4G connection
Under the deal, AT&T will provide a 3G or HSPA+, also known as 4G, connection to Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s vehicles. Using a SIM card and a modem, the electric vehicles will be able to deliver performance data from a remote location. This will enable Tesla to better serve customers by delivering maintenance and diagnostic testing from afar. In addition, passengers inside the automaker’s vehicles will be able to surf the Web, watch videos or do whatever else they want to do on their mobile Internet connection.
In the past, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) had offered a cell connection for Tesla’s Model S. However, that connection was meant to be used just for infotainment uses. This new partnership between Tesla and AT&T is about offering more functionality over that connection.
AT&T lines up the automakers
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is just the latest maker of automobiles to release details about a deal with AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Nissan have also signed deals with the carrier for a cell connection. The company has been eager to create a new stream of revenue as growth in its core business decelerates.
The deal was announced today by AT&T senior VP Chris Penrose at GigaOm’s Mobilize conference.
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) keeps expanding
Tesla itself has also been pushing boundaries for some time. The company has been rapidly expanding its Supercharger network with the goal of making it easier to drive across the country without paying a dime to “refuel.” By adding Internet inside its vehicles, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) offers yet another reason for fans to love its vehicles.
