Chevrolet cuts 4G LTE plan prices in half but still requires an active OnStar plan to qualify

By Dave Palmer July 2, 2016

chevrolet 4glte more affordable with price cut chevy volt 4lte — Chevrolet Volt Interface Chevrolet/Creative Commons

As more automakers provide options for in-vehicle internet access, the pressure is on to provide connected car options at a reasonable price. Chevrolet was the first automaker to integrate 4G LTE connectivity into every one of its new vehicle models. As such, Chevrolet had the luxury of owning the market for connected cars and set rates and data limits accordingly.

However, with more automakers offering the service, pressure is on to provide 4G LTE coverage at a more reasonable price with higher data limits.

Chevrolet responded to market pressure in a big way, and made news with an announcement that it will cut prices for most in-vehicle 4G LTE data plans by half. The following plans were available immediately after the announcement:

1GB per month plan reduced to $10 a month; 4GB per month plan for $20 a month; 10GB per month plan reduced to $40 a month; 20GB plan at $150.

Chevrolet has received criticism that the data limits are small compared to what a user would need in a connected car. For example, a 90-minute video streamed on Netflix burns through between .45GB to 4.2GB of data, depending on resolution.

Even at the lowest resolution, watching two movies would use up a 1GB plan. Anyone who has kids knows that two movies a month would never be enough for to keep the little ones quiet and entertained while in a car.

Another catch not often mentioned is that car owners must pay for an OnStar plan in addition to their 4G LTE plan. OnStar plans range from $20 to $35 per month. Car owners should be sure to add that cost to whatever 4G LTE plan that they choose. Chevrolet does offer three months of free service to new car buyers.

While the concept of connected cars is an exciting one, many consumers find it less expensive to use their own hotspot for on the road connectivity. Cell phones with hotspots, or mobile Wi-Fi devices, often provide a much less costly alternative to paying for OnStar and 4G LTE plans.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Dave’s technology geek-fest began with the classic Commodore 64 computer, which started a lifelong passion for all things…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.