VANCOUVER and OSHAWA, Ont. — Telus and GM Canada announced today they have signed a multi-year agreement to connect GM’s next-generation vehicles to Telus’s 5G network.
This is the first time GM has chosen a domestic communications company to provide connected-vehicle services to Canadian customers, according to a press release.
The first GM cars and trucks with built-in connectivity to Telus’s 4G-LTE and 5G network are expected to be introduced with the 2025 model year.
“Additionally, through GM’s fifth generation rollout, current 4G LTE-equipped model year 2019 and newer vehicles will be able to migrate to the new Telus network. As a result, current Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac owners in Canada will experience faster connectivity speeds and some of the same performance benefits of future 5G-equipped vehicles,” the release reads.
Some of the benefits of the enhanced wireless network capabilities include improved roadway-centric coverage, faster music and video downloads, as well as faster navigation, mapping and voice services, the release says. In addition, the network enhancements will allow for faster, more reliable and more secure over-the-air software updates.
“As part of GM’s innovation and growth efforts, these network improvements will be foundational for the future of GM’s growing over-the-air update strategy. With more advanced features, robust software, and faster download speeds, more data is accessible to provide a more convenient customer experience,” the release says.
When GM launches 5G connectivity in its vehicles, the company “will provide access for its strategic partners to leverage Telus’ 5G network, raising the bar for the interoperability and scale necessary to deliver future mobility services, such as e-commerce, smart city and vehicle-to-electric grid.”
“Connectivity is already transforming the ownership experience for our drivers, and that trend will accelerate with our next-generation offerings,” said Scott Bell, president and managing director of GM Canada, in the release.
“As we move to 5G, GM will introduce a range of new convenience and entertainment features as well as new driver-assistance technologies on our journey to zero crashes and zero congestion. Working with Telus, we can develop and foster much of that innovation right here in Canada.”
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