Does in car WiFi Work?

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The next big thing in automotive technology is WiFi hotspots.

In car technology and communication has come so far in the past 20 years that it would be incomprehensible to a plug-in mobile bag-phone user in 1994. Revolutions in navigation, audio and downloadable apps have changed the way we spend time in our automobiles.

And now we are on the cusp of the next big automotive technology advancement – in-car WiFi. For a while now cars have been capable of becoming WiFi hotspots as long as there was an existing signal from a mobile device to piggy-back off of.

But now cars can become mobile WiFi hotspots in their own right. Simply sign up for a data plan, install a SIM card and bam! – mobile internet ready to power anything from phones to tablets to laptops. This all sounds great for passengers and rear seat business workers who need to be connect at ALL times.

The question remains though, is it any good? To find out I’ve borrowed a 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe with GM’s Onstar 4GLTE loaded up and ready to rock. My goal today is to test the car in a variety of situations to see if car-based WiFi is a neat novelty or ready for prime time. Follow along with the adventure by revisiting this post several times today as it will constantly be updated with results and my findings.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Review

Until I hear back from Cadillac/Onstar, I’ll temporarily conclude that yes WiFi in-car works, as long as the operating system it’s run through is working. When I had the WiFi operating, it was quick and flawless. And if the issue is resolved before I have to return the car, I will definitely conduct the You Tube streaming test once again.

FAST FACTS:

Engine: 3.6 L V6, 321 HP, 275 lb-ft.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel economy (US): 19 MPG city, 28 MPG Hwy, 20.8 MPG observed average
Fuel economy (CDN): 12.8 L/100 km city, 8.4 L/100 km Hwy, 11.3 L/100 km observed average
Price (US): Base ATS Coupe begins at $38,990 after destination charges,
Price (CDN): Base ATS Coupe begins at $43,140 after destination charges, $57,945 as tested.