If you’ve been looking for information on how to connect your car to 5G service, look no further! T-Mobile has announced that they will be offering a postpaid plan with unlimited voice, 5G and Wi-Fi hotspot data for select 2022 BMW vehicles.
T-Mobile calls their new connected car plan, Magenta Drive for BMW. It will cost you $20 per month with autopay, plus taxes and fees. Note that SMS messaging isn’t supported. It’s available now and supported on the 2022 and newer BMW iX and x4 models.
If you’re currently a T-Mobile subscriber, simply add it onto your existing wireless plan. However, if you do not subscribe to T-Mobile, customers would need to set up a new line. Users can sign up through the My BMW app.
T-Mobile also states that customers using more than 50 GB of data per month will see lower speeds during congestion and video streams on smartphones and tablets are typically restricted to SD quality.
“In 2019 we lit up the first nationwide 5G network, and today we mark another milestone that builds on our 5G leadership,” said Callie Field, president of T-Mobile Business Group, in a statement. “In another 5G first, we’ve delivered America’s first 5G connected cars, and we’re honored to do it together with BMW, who entrust their vehicles’ connectivity to T-Mobile.”
More technically speaking, the BMW vehicles support 5G connectivity for both T-Mobile’s lower band n71 (600 MHz) “Extended Range 5G” and mid-band n41 (2.5 GHz) “Ultra Capacity” 5G. Per a T-Mobile spokesperson, the vehicles include an embedded SIM and a 5G antenna, along with personal eSIM capabilities. The in-car personal eSIM support is required so customers can add their BMW to an existing mobile phone plan, leverage the 5G antenna and provide in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. Note that WiFi connections are limited to 10 at a time and will have unlimited 5G hotspot data.
Other features include the ability to leave your phone at home by using in-car calling on the user’s personal cell phone number. Also, the plan supports voice calls on the carrier’s nationwide network.
This new data plan is the result of a long-term agreement between T-Mobile and BMW. Their simple goal is to deliver unlimited voice calling and unlimited 5G data to the automaker’s vehicles.
AT&T and Verizon have also announced 5G connected car deals with major automakers. AT&T signed a 5G auto deal with GM in August 2021 while Verizon signed one with Audi this past February. Those carriers will start with select year 2024 models.