• by Tanya Gazdik , March 22, 2022

BMW is partnering with T-Mobile to bring unlimited voice calling and unlimited 5G data to BMW vehicles. 

The 2022 BMW iX and i4, powered by T-Mobile’s new Magenta Drive for BMW, are reportedly the first vehicles to become 5G connected cars as part of a long-term agreement.

Available for $20 per month to postpaid customers, T-Mobile Magenta Drive for BMW can turn any qualified BMW vehicle into a WiFi hotspot. Drivers can also activate in-car calling using their personal cell phone number.

The capacity aims to fill a vehicle buyers needs as cars have become a more critical extension of home and work, according to the companies. 

T-Mobile’s 5G network covers more than 96% of Interstate Highway miles across America — 16% more than the next network, according to data from network intelligence provider,Ookla. Nearly half the traffic on T-Mobile’s network is 5G. T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G covers 310 million people across 1.8 million square miles.

BMW owners can sign up for the service online.

The telecom provider is somewhat late to the party in inking an agreement with an automaker. Audi announced a partnership with Verizon in February. General Motors’ August deal with AT&T brought 5G connectivity to millions of vehicles starting in 2023. AT&T has been providing 4G to GM since 2014.