Modular connected car platform unveiled by AT&T

US operator AT&T is pitching a modular connected car platform packaging connectivity, billing, data analytics and infotainment to car makers and developers to create their own customised offerings.

To develop AT&T Drive the operator teamed up with Swedish vendor Ericsson to create the platform, aimed at offering drivers a better consumer experience.

“We created the AT&T Drive platform to bring automakers the best the industry has to offer, so we can deliver innovation, not a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president at AT&T Mobility.

Ericsson’s Connected Vehicle Cloud is based on the vendor’s Service Enablement Platform, which provides drivers with access to applications from a screen in the car.

“AT&T recognises the vast potential that exists to transform digital experiences in and around the car, and has built a wireless network that can truly bring the connected vehicle ecosystem to life,” said Per Borgklint, senior VP and head of business unit support solutions, Ericsson.

Examples of consumer services include the ability to detect vehicle repair issues, automatically book service appointments, subscribe to in-vehicle wifi, and on-demand infotainment.

AT&T has also announced the opening of connected car centre in Atlanta, called the AT&T Drive Studio. The 5,000-square foot centre features garage bays, a speech lab, and a full showroom to exhibit the latest innovations and conference facilities. The Studio also serves as a hub where AT&T can respond to needs of automotive manufacturers and the auto ecosystem at large, according to Ericsson.

At its Drive Studio, AT&T will also be developing solutions using technology from billing solutions provider Amdocs, M2M services provider Jasper Wireless, connected vehicle  services and solutions provider Accenture, cloud solutions provider Synchronoss and voice recognition software provider VoiceBox.

Earlier this week, leading tech firms teamed up with automotive manufacturers to create an industry alliance aimed at bringing the Android platform to connected cars. Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and Nvidia joined Google to form the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA).