AT&T (NYSE:T) will provide mobile connectivity to SiriusXM Radio, which intends to broaden its in-vehicle presence beyond satellite radio and into the provision of telematics, security and other services for Nissan automobiles in North America.
Using a combination of satellite and cellular networks, SiriusXM promises to provide Nissan vehicle owners with emergency support for accidents, stolen vehicle tracking and roadside assistance. The company did not provide a timeline for its work with Nissan. A host of unspecified additional services will also be announced later, said Sirius XM.
SiriusXM-branded audio entertainment is available in vehicles from every major car company in the United States, from retailers nationwide and online. Programming is also available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY).
"SiriusXM is the leader in subscription services to the car and our network provides ubiquitous coast-to-coast delivery of our unparalleled audio entertainment and information services. Now, as we move into a connected vehicle world, SiriusXM will provide a telematics service that will offer Nissan vehicle owners a comprehensive set of telematics, information and entertainment services in their vehicle," said Enrique Rodriguez, executive vice president, operations and products, at the satellite radio provider.
"By adding fast, reliable and built-in mobile internet for SiriusXM's forthcoming in-car experience, we are powering a connected experience inside Nissan automobiles for both drivers and passengers," said Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T's emerging enterprises and partnerships organization.
SiriusXM Radio and AT&T have collaborated before. In June 2012, the two companies made a joint proposal to the FCC that opened up a portion of the 2.3 GHz WCS band to LTE, enabling AT&T to use that spectrum for wireless broadband services while protecting SiriusXM's audio services from interference.
AT&T is becoming increasingly active in the connected car arena. In February, General Motors announced it will replace Verizon Wireless' (NYSE:VZ) service with AT&T Mobility's (NYSE:T) service in its OnStar offering beginning in 2014.
For more:
- see this AT&T and Sirius XM release
On the Hot Seat: AT&T's Lurie: Adding your car to a Mobile Share plan would make 'good sense'
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