Autonet Mobile Deploys 4G-enabled Telematics Control Unit

Our home, workplace and automobile are three of the places in which we spend more time than any other location. As the world we live in becomes more connected, they are becoming an integral part of that connection with wired and wireless technology. The home and workplace were connected before our vehicles, but now M2M and telematics technology has made the cars we drive as connected as any other device. This has allowed insurance companies, first responders and other service providers the ability to deliver new solutions to enhance the driving experience.

This requires the right network technology, and Autonet Mobile announced it is going to launch a 4G-enabled Telematics Control Unit (TCU) to improve its connected car solutions.

As the first Internet-based telematics and applications service platform provider for the automotive transportation industry, the company has been in the forefront of automotive connectivity since it was founded in 2005. With this new platform, Autonet will be providing the first-ever 4G speeds for in-car connectivity in the automotive industry. This will open more opportunities for automobile manufacturers and vendors across many different markets to develop solutions that can take advantage of the fast network.

The 4G TCU is embedded directly in the vehicle's CAN bus system with a new platform that supports mobile applications with Autonet's open architecture. Built on the company's TRU Technology, the network and applications are managed in the vehicle to provide a reliable and secure connection to the network while it is in motion.

Some of the apps currently available include:

Find My Car: Allows drivers to locate their vehicle anytime, anywhere, and see a history of where their car has been.

Geo Zones: Allows drivers to define virtual geographical areas to make sure their vehicles follow approved routes and receive notifications if vehicles travel outside the designated zone.

Speed Tracker: Drivers can define a maximum speed that their vehicle should be traveling and receive notifications when maximum speed is reached.

Parental Controls: Allows parents to monitor their teens' driving habits through features such as call/text blocking, speed alerts, driving zones, check-ins/arrivals, and seat belt alerts.

Valet Mode: Track and be alerted if a valet is using your vehicle inappropriately.

WiFi Hotspot: Turns drivers' vehicles into a high-speed mobile WiFi hotspot.

"Our new 4G TCU technology will open up a whole new world of applications and services to the vehicle that will enhance both the driver's and car manufacturer's experience. Drivers are already taking advantage of our diverse group of mobile applications, and this new version of our TCU will provide the first-ever 4G speeds for in-car connectivity in the automotive industry, so drivers can better monitor and communicate with their vehicles in a broad and safe manner," said Doug Moeller, co-founder and chief technology officer of Autonet Mobile.

The 4G TCU is now available for demonstration, with wider availability during the fall of 2014. Autonet Mobile currently has partnerships with some of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, GM, and Subaru.