Photo: Audi
Audi has enhanced the capabilities of its Connect SIM, the factory-installed SIM card. The German automaker installs a device known as an eSIM, or embedded SIM, into all of its new models that feature the second-generation Modular Infotainment Platform, the MMI.
Thanks to this, customers can get immediate access to all the Audi Connect services even when they are not in the country where the vehicle was bought.
The service will be active for up to three years at the same rate, and it even features an LTE/UMTS module on board, capable of supporting 4G speeds. That means a bandwidth of 100 MBit/s. Audi notes that the service is free for up to three years if purchased with the MMI Navigation plus.
Customers who only get the MMI Navigation get free usage for three months, with the possibility of extending to three years, but for an additional fee. Once the contract period is over, customers can extend access if they pay extra.
The system does not require any other purchase or subscription for activation so that customers will enjoy navigation through Google Earth and Google Street View, traffic information, parking information, and other potentially helpful data.
Furthermore, customers will be able to access their Twitter and e-mail accounts straight from the car, as well as the smartphone’s calendar. Audi’s integrated SIM card does not have a data cap, so customers can use as much data volume as they like.
European customers get the most benefit out of this, as the SIM automatically connects to a provider in each country, as needed, without roaming fees. Since roaming charges can be pricey in Europe and the rest of the world, this is an excellent benefit. Fortunately for regular GSM users, the EU plans to eliminate roaming fees soon, but they will still exist for a while.
Audi customers will be able to purchase additional data packages, if they want Internet services which are independent of the Audi connect services. These services can be provided through the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows passengers to surf the web at “attractive rates.”
The service will be active for up to three years at the same rate, and it even features an LTE/UMTS module on board, capable of supporting 4G speeds. That means a bandwidth of 100 MBit/s. Audi notes that the service is free for up to three years if purchased with the MMI Navigation plus.
Customers who only get the MMI Navigation get free usage for three months, with the possibility of extending to three years, but for an additional fee. Once the contract period is over, customers can extend access if they pay extra.
The system does not require any other purchase or subscription for activation so that customers will enjoy navigation through Google Earth and Google Street View, traffic information, parking information, and other potentially helpful data.
Furthermore, customers will be able to access their Twitter and e-mail accounts straight from the car, as well as the smartphone’s calendar. Audi’s integrated SIM card does not have a data cap, so customers can use as much data volume as they like.
European customers get the most benefit out of this, as the SIM automatically connects to a provider in each country, as needed, without roaming fees. Since roaming charges can be pricey in Europe and the rest of the world, this is an excellent benefit. Fortunately for regular GSM users, the EU plans to eliminate roaming fees soon, but they will still exist for a while.
Audi customers will be able to purchase additional data packages, if they want Internet services which are independent of the Audi connect services. These services can be provided through the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows passengers to surf the web at “attractive rates.”
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