T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) has recently unveiled SyncUp Drive, a wireless plug-in module for vehicles.
SyncUp Drive
The SyncUp Drive can be plugged into the OBD-II port in vehicles. Primarily, it enables users to monitor car performance and maintenance. More importantly, it can serve as a WiFi hotspot, improving connectivity availability while traveling.
The introduction of a unique wireless plug-in module is part of the company’s push into the Internet of Things (IoT). By the end of the decade, at least 20 billion devices are expected to be connected through the IoT.
IoT Edge
Over the past few years, T-Mobile has seen its subscriber growth surpass those of its rivals. With its initial IoT shift efforts, T-Mobile leverages its edge over other major carriers.
The seamless functionality of the SyncUp Drive further steps up the company’s advantage over other leading players. For example, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has two plug-in devices for vehicles. One of these is only capable of monitoring car performance and maintenance while the other is only capable of serving as a WiFi hotspot. On the other hand, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has only one vehicle plug-in device that can only monitor car performance and maintenance but cannot serve as a WiFi hotspot.
What is more interesting is that T-Mobile is offering the SyncUp Drive for free at launch.
“We’re making it radically simple for customers to connect their cars with a complete, all-in-one package— and the best part is that we’re making it totally free at launch,” explained John Legere, T-Mobile CEO And President.
A regular monthly data plan for 2GB is available at $20; 10GB is available at $50; and 22GB is available at $95. Users who have existing T-Mobile plans are entitled to a $10 monthly discount.
Meanwhile, AT&T offers monthly data plans for its car plug-in devices at $20 for 1GB and $30 for 3GB. Existing AT&T plan holders can opt to pay an additional $10 a month to use data from their existing AT&T plan.
As for Verizon Communications, users have to pay $30 for the device; $20 for its activation; and $10 for data per month.
On Friday, T-Mobile closed at $52.54; AT&T closed at $36.51; and Verizon Communications closed at $46.69.