South Korea’s three major telecom carriers have announced plans to launch the country’s first-ever personal embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) data plans for BMW vehicles. SK Telecom, KT Corp., and LG Uplus revealed that the new data plans will allow backseat passengers to access various mobile content through built-in monitors without requiring a separate physical chip.
This marks a significant departure from the traditional business-to-business model between vehicle manufacturers and mobile carriers. The personal data plans will be sold directly to consumers by telecommunications companies.
The data plans offer five monthly options, ranging from 250 megabytes to 150 gigabytes, which users can choose from. If all of the provided data is used, customers can still use it within the parent line’s data-sharing limit. The eSIM technology is already available in BMW’s 7 series and above models, which feature fifth-generation connectivity.
BMW’s latest self-developed in-car software, Operating System 8, is equipped with various features. For instance, users can subscribe to an in-car personal support service via the MyBMW application. Once users log in with their user ID in the vehicle, they can watch video clips, use Wi-Fi hotspots, and access various services and content built into the BMW Theater Screen without requiring a separate network connection.
KT officials say that their collaboration with BMW has opened up a new era of combining communication and infotainment. SKT described the BMW eSIM plan as the first vehicle service to provide convenience to customers in preparation for the era of autonomous driving and the expansion of in-car entertainment devices.
BMW Korea CEO Han Sang-yun stated that the company is delighted to collaborate with the telecom firms in providing high-quality mobile services to its customers in Korea. He added that customers of the new BMW 7 Series will enjoy a new level of in-car digital experience through the state-of-the-art services offered by the three telecom carriers.
In addition to the personal embedded SIM data plans, the partnership between BMW and the three South Korean telecom giants will also offer a variety of other services. For example, the My BMW app, which is integrated with the car’s operating system, will provide users with a personal support service, enabling them to access a range of features and functions through their mobile devices.
The integration of eSIM technology into cars is becoming increasingly popular, as it enables drivers and passengers to access high-speed data networks without the need for a separate device or a physical SIM card. This allows for a seamless connection to the internet, which is essential for connected cars that rely on real-time data for a range of features, such as GPS navigation and remote vehicle diagnostics.
The launch of these personal eSIM data plans is expected to be a significant step towards the development of autonomous driving, as it will provide the necessary infrastructure for high-speed, reliable data communication between the vehicle and the surrounding environment. The new data plans are also likely to drive growth in the in-car entertainment market, as passengers will be able to access a range of content through the built-in monitors.
The move by BMW and the South Korean telecom companies is also likely to put pressure on other car manufacturers to integrate eSIM technology into their vehicles, as the demand for high-speed, reliable data networks continues to grow. As connected cars become increasingly popular, the need for seamless, uninterrupted data connectivity will become even more critical, and eSIM technology is expected to play a significant role in meeting this demand.