Audi T-Mobile set for 2012, LTE 4G not until 2015
Audi has released some details of its plans for upcoming in-car internet connections. The company has unveiled a special Audi A8L prototype with LTE fourth-generation (4G) broadband which could be available in 2015, and says it is also developing Audi Connect T-Mobile which will be available in 2012.
Audi is currently using a special Audi A8L to demonstrate LTE 4G wireless broadband technology which provides a fast in-car internet connection. Audi says the technology was developed in conjunction with Alcatel-Lucent and is expected to replace the current third-generation (3G) Global System for Mobile (GSM) systems being used.
LTE 4G broadband is a super-fast internet connection rated at 100Mb/sec, or around the speed of landline broadband. This means passengers will be able to watch streaming videos such as those found on YouTube and purchase various online downloads with relative ease and in good time. This system is also said to support up to six computers or mobile phones within the car. Unfortunately, the technology is still being tested and isn't expected to become available to the public until 2015.
In the meantime though, Audi has released some details about its second-latest technological advance called Audi Connect in conjunction with T-Mobile in the US. Audi A7 customers will be able to trial Audi Connect through T-Mobile in 2012 for six months and if they're happy with the service, they'll be able to purchase a monthly plan.
Audi Connect using T-Mobile is the next-fastest connection using 3G technology. It still allows the car to connect to an internet connection and display all of the latest news, road reports and Google Maps/Earth, but it won't be as fast as the LTE 4G planned. This technology will debut on the 2012 Audi A7 though and become available on the 2012 Audi A8, 2012 Audi A6, Q7 and Q5.
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