AT&T Rolls Out New Telematics Service

AT&T Inc. is offering carmakers a telematics package that will enable them to wirelessly sell voice-controlled apps, add safety and security features, bill their customers and run remote vehicle diagnostics.

Called Drive, the service combines the company's own high-speed wireless connectivity service with technologies from such partners as Accenture (big-data analytics), Amdocs (billing), Ericsson (global app delivery), Synchronoss (cloud-based network activation) and VoiceBox Technologies (multiple language recognition).

AT&T says Drive is structured to enable carmakers to start with a single global telematics framework, then quickly add the services and features they want to make their brand distinctive.

The company also has created a 5,000-sq-ft Drive Studio demonstration lab in Atlanta to test and develop wireless services and features with multiple partners. AT&T says the lab's work will extend to connecting cars with the home and consumer electronic devices.