[Originally published by KDDI Corporation, in Japanese, here: https://japan.cnet.com/article/35238954/]
On October 8, KDDI announced that it has begun installing its connected car communication services in all vehicles produced by the BMW Group for North America after July 2025.
KDDI has previously provided a “global communications platform” to automakers, and based on this track record, has been working with the BMW Group since 2022 to develop and implement this service.
The newly launched service utilizes KDDI’s platform to link the networks of Verizon and TELUS, two major North American telecommunications carriers, to ensure high-quality connectivity, enabling BMW vehicles to enjoy stable mobile communications throughout North America.
The cars are equipped with a common communication device that automatically connects to and switches between the Verizon and TELUS networks depending on the vehicle’s location. The IP address of the country of the contract is maintained, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted video and music streaming and location-based apps in their home country, even when crossing borders.
Furthermore, communication status and driving data collected from the vehicle can now be processed and analyzed in real time, allowing the BMW Group to use this data to improve vehicle functions and the quality of its services.
KDDI began rolling out WAKONX, a new business platform for the AI era, in May 2024. WAKONX Mobility, part of this platform, aims to solve social issues through communications across the entire mobility field, including connected cars.
