Silverado Leads Chevy Vehicles in Mobile Data Usage
By Brian Wong
GM has been offering 4G LTE service to power an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hot spot through its OnStar suite of services for several years now and for the first time, we have some insight into how much data is actually being used.
Wi-Fi capability is standard on all new Chevrolet vehicles with OnStar Basic; it allows the vehicle to be used as a W-Fi hot spot for passengers (up to seven devices at once). This is helpful for folks with laptops and tablets that don't have a cellular connection of their own. Subscribers pay for a monthly data plan, similar to what you do with a smartphone.
Chevrolet owners in total used 4,220 terabytes of 4G LTE data in 2016, which was an increase of almost 200 percent year over year. Not sure what that means? Well, a byte of storage is the equivalent of eight binary digits or bits. That means a megabyte is 1 million bytes, a gigabyte is 1 billion bytes and a terabyte is 1 trillion bytes. As the technology makes it into more vehicles and connectivity remains a priority for both work and play, this number is likely to continue to increase.
The biggest percentage increase in usage came from the Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs; collectively owners of those vehicles streamed 713,669 gigabytes of data — think 25 million hours of streaming music, 3 million hours of streaming music or 1.8 billion song, game or app downloads — last year alone. However, those two full-size SUVs lag way behind the biggest users: owners of Silverado pickup trucks. Silverado owners used more than 1.3 million gigabytes of data, nearly one-third of all the data used in all of Chevrolet's vehicles. Owners of the mid-size Colorado consumed 160,034 gigabytes of data.
This ability gives both Chevrolet and GMC a leg up on other truckmakers since this technology is not available in any other full-size truck. Ford's Sync 3 multimedia system in the 2017 F-150 has a 4G connection for over-the-air updates, but it won't turn into a data connection for users until the 2018 model year. Ram offers a 3G service on the 1500, but that is a much slower connection. Neither Toyota nor Nissan currently offer Wi-Fi capability in their trucks.
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Comments
Since basic Onstar is free for five years on new GM vehicles, and 4GB of internet data is available for an additional $20/month, this seems like a reasonable deal. It is, however, limited to where ATT has service.
Was camping with the family last August, brother in law had it....we all used it in the campground where provided Wifi was terrible....5 units all together, kids were hooked to it one rainy day and most of them used it later in night...we chipped in and each unit gave him 10 bucks for the week.Worked very well.
Not surprised here, thats alot of calls to the dealerships for all the tahoe and silverado problems
Not surprised here, thats alot of calls to the dealerships for all the tahoe and silverado problems
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 6, 2017 2:09:23 PM
What problems?
Not surprised here, thats alot of calls to the dealerships for all the tahoe and silverado problems
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 6, 2017 2:09:23 PM
The other side to that story is tow truck calls went up an equal amount too. Good thing most tow trucks are Ford trucks. It could take a few GM or Ram trucks to finally get a good one to tow the chevy back to the dealer.
You ford girls are soooo hypocritical. Its a shame people cant be civil on this site.
It's nice to Chevy Silverado lead on something. LMFAO!!
I don't think most people realize that near every smart phone in the last 5 years has hotspot capability. Instead of paying for an extra subscription, just buy a little extra data and let the other devices connect to SOMEONE'S phone...
"Was camping with the family last August, brother in law had it....we all used it in the campground where provided Wifi was terrible....5 units all together, kids were hooked to it one rainy day and most of them used it later in night...we chipped in and each unit gave him 10 bucks for the week.Worked very well.
Posted by: Budsy47 | Feb 6, 2017 2:04:14 PM"
Wow really? That's not "camping" that just downright depressing.
When ford finally comes out with it in 2018 the girls will think its the best thing ever. Trailing behind like usual.
I don't think most people realize that near every smart phone in the last 5 years has hotspot capability. Instead of paying for an extra subscription, just buy a little extra data and let the other devices connect to SOMEONE'S phone...
Posted by: Toycrusher | Feb 6, 2017 3:53:38 PM
Tethering/mobile hotspot service plans usually have device connection fees that run roughly $20 more vs a standard single device plan without mobile hotspot.
We use the 4g in our new Colorado when on vacation with the travel trailer, it is great to have for a number of reason, price being one, as you can use the smart ph like a computer, and not worry about using up too much data, as that can get expensive if you do not have that included. As far as OnStar goes, I will never own another vehicle without it, as OnStar saved both of us after a drunk driver slammed into us, forcing us off the road, neither of us could reach our ph, and we were about to panic in that situation, when all of a sudden Hello this is OnStar have you been in an accident and are you OK? They knew where we were, left after a hit and run, and could not be seen from the road, both us and the truck were stuck and we could not walk the truck could not run/drive, and help got to us in about ten minutes!!!! We only knew it was a hit and run because his vehicle was so damaged he only made it about a mile down the road, where to police found him, with my trucks paint all over what was left of his grill! Passed out, drunk as a sailor on shore leave the day after payday! So we will always have OnStar, or an equivalent like the 911/SOS UCONNECT system in my Jeep Cherokee. The money, about $32/mo for both the Colorado and the Jeep, and in the Colorado that includes its own cell ph, that has more power and less dropped calls than my ATT cell ph! But because I have the system in both vehicles I save actually more each mo on insurance!!! Oh well you all have fun out there and stay safe!
When ford finally comes out with it in 2018 the girls will think its the best thing ever. Trailing behind like usual.
Posted by: fordsajoke | Feb 6, 2017 4:16:19 PM
Hey Johnny doe, Fords system has been able to be used as a mobile hot spot for almost 10 years now. And no extra data charges. Nice to see chevy finally able to do something about it.
We use the 4g in our new Colorado when on vacation with the travel trailer, it is great to have for a number of reason, price being one, as you can use the smart ph like a computer, and not worry about using up too much data, as that can get expensive if you do not have that included. As far as OnStar goes, I will never own another vehicle without it, as OnStar saved both of us after a drunk driver slammed into us, forcing us off the road, neither of us could reach our ph, and we were about to panic in that situation, when all of a sudden Hello this is OnStar have you been in an accident and are you OK? They knew where we were, left after a hit and run, and could not be seen from the road, both us and the truck were stuck and we could not walk the truck could not run/drive, and help got to us in about ten minutes!!!! We only knew it was a hit and run because his vehicle was so damaged he only made it about a mile down the road, where to police found him, with my trucks paint all over what was left of his grill! Passed out, drunk as a sailor on shore leave the day after payday! So we will always have OnStar, or an equivalent like the 911/SOS UCONNECT system in my Jeep Cherokee. The money, about $32/mo for both the Colorado and the Jeep, and in the Colorado that includes its own cell ph, that has more power and less dropped calls than my ATT cell ph! But because I have the system in both vehicles I save actually more each mo on insurance!!! Oh well you all have fun out there and stay safe!
Posted by: Sandman4x4 | Feb 6, 2017 4:31:23 PM
Ford also has had that since 2008. And no extra charge every month. It's called 911 assist.
ot surprised here, thats alot of calls to the dealerships for all the tahoe and silverado problems
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 6, 2017 2:09:23 PM
What problems?
Posted by: GMSRGREAT |
The shaking my good man, the awful shaking and howling in the case of Tahoe & Suburban.
@Ram Blows Chunks, re: Ford's 911 Assist-Did you miss the part in the story where Sandman said they couldn't reach their cell phones? How about the part where a real live human being from OnStar was connected into their truck, without them pushing a button ( no mention if air bags deployed or not, but with OnStar, airbags need not be deployed) instead of Ford's computer generated voice program. You get what you pay for, and with OnStar you get more than 911 assist and a real emergency services person to talk to, With Ford you get their "free" system-guess which one is going to do more for you in an emergency when you can't speak, or reach your cell phone?
You Ford fenatics are so sad.
It could take a few GM or Ram trucks to finally get a good one to tow the chevy back to the dealer.
Posted by: Ram blows chunks | Feb 6, 2017 2:31:00 PM
Why, are GM and Ram running eco boost engines in their trucks also?
@Ram Blows Chunks, re: Ford's 911 Assist-Did you miss the part in the story where Sandman said they couldn't reach their cell phones? How about the part where a real live human being from OnStar was connected into their truck, without them pushing a button ( no mention if air bags deployed or not, but with OnStar, airbags need not be deployed) instead of Ford's computer generated voice program. You get what you pay for, and with OnStar you get more than 911 assist and a real emergency services person to talk to, With Ford you get their "free" system-guess which one is going to do more for you in an emergency when you can't speak, or reach your cell phone?
Posted by: bat | Feb 6, 2017 5:32:45 PM
Sit back and learn something. 911 assist will automatically call 911 and have an operator on the phone with you when a crash is detected. This feature is by far nothing new.
@Ram Blows Chunks, re: Ford's 911 Assist-Did you miss the part in the story where Sandman said they couldn't reach their cell phones? How about the part where a real live human being from OnStar was connected into their truck, without them pushing a button ( no mention if air bags deployed or not, but with OnStar, airbags need not be deployed) instead of Ford's computer generated voice program. You get what you pay for, and with OnStar you get more than 911 assist and a real emergency services person to talk to, With Ford you get their "free" system-guess which one is going to do more for you in an emergency when you can't speak, or reach your cell phone?
Posted by: bat | Feb 6, 2017 5:32:45 PM
Sit back and learn something. 911 assist will automatically call 911 and have an operator on the phone with you when a crash is detected. This feature is by far nothing new.
Why, are GM and Ram running eco boost engines in their trucks also?
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 6, 2017 5:55:52 PM
No, Ford would not agree to that joint venture. GM and fiat are on their own for that.
Ram blows. The problem with fords is you need a pi red phone with a signal and Bluetooth connection. Say phone is ejected aND is damaged.
Too bad Ford doesn't design a clean , functional and aesthetically pleasing interior like the Silverado's pictured above. Anytime I drive a Ford I first familiarize myself with the most important button, the one that calls the tow truck.
Too bad Ford doesn't design a clean , functional and aesthetically pleasing interior like the Silverado's pictured above. Anytime I drive a Ford I first familiarize myself with the most important button, the one that calls the tow truck.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT
Way,way too funny GMNOTSOGREAT, wishing it were. There is no such button in a Ford as it is unnecessary, however it is the prime reason for Onstar in the General Malaise product. Ha ha ha.
Can't wait for the Feb. Sales numbers. Skake,shake,shake.
Ram blows. The problem with fords is you need a pi red phone with a signal and Bluetooth connection. Say phone is ejected aND is damaged.
Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 6, 2017 6:21:01 PM
And that actual occurs how often? What happens if the GM antenna get damaged in the accident?
Too bad Ford doesn't design a clean , functional and aesthetically pleasing interior like the Silverado's pictured above. Anytime I drive a Ford I first familiarize myself with the most important button, the one that calls the tow truck.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 6, 2017 7:02:15 PM
The reason you have to familiarize with that button is because you cannot find it in a Ford truck. Standard feature in all GM shake and bake trucks. It's called muscle memory, only you don't need one in a Ford man truck.
Cell failures are more likely than the antenna getting damaged ram blows. There are still spots in Chicago land cell service fails, Riverside is one I have visited often. Ford's system is better than nothing, but GMs and rams are better. But I do think onstar is overpriced, they would get a way higher take rate if it cost half.
My Ford sucks, I mean touch is Garbage. But with fleet service and stripper XL models you don't get much.
They don't use that anymore. MFT was replaced by SYNC 3 a couple years ago.
Cell failures are more likely than the antenna getting damaged ram blows. There are still spots in Chicago land cell service fails, Riverside is one I have visited often. Ford's system is better than nothing, but GMs and rams are better. But I do think onstar is overpriced, they would get a way higher take rate if it cost half.
Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 6, 2017 9:02:30 PM
Based on what? How do you know you are more likely to damage a cell phone vs an antenna? What about a roll over accident? Sat service needs line of sight. What if you don't have line of sight for the sat service? I would much rather have a cell service dispatch than a line of sight sat service. Especially when there is no charge for it.
My Ford sucks, I mean touch is Garbage. But with fleet service and stripper XL models you don't get much.
Posted by: HEMI V8 | Feb 6, 2017 10:00:55 PM
Your right, you don't get the full Ram features in a Ford truck. Let's list a few special Ram features:
Continued dealership waiting room comfort with all the free donuts you can eat while your junk Ram is getting fixed all the time.
Lowest ground clearance trucks that are rated off road capable
Backed by a company that is desperately trying to sell it
Backed by a company is cheats on emissions on both diesel lines
Backed by a company that was fined for falsifying records for vehicle defect related deaths and injuries
Backed by a company that was given a record fine for not recalling defective trucks
Has the worst reliability rating of every other US vehicle
Shall i go on?
@gms, so sorry for you having to defend the brand all the time, but to answer you....https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_tahoe.html
@gms, so sorry for you having to defend the brand all the time, but to answer you....https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_tahoe.html
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 7, 2017 7:31:53 AM
See below taken from the comments section of the link you posted. Sounds like a happy customer to me.
Mark of Yuma, Arizona on Dec. 9, 2016
Reliable and very dependable. I've owned my 1999 chevy Tahoe for quite some time. I am a second owner. The mileage on my vehicle is very high approximately 190,000. Yes I've had to replace water pump, fuel pump, alternator, and other normal parts. The engine still has plenty of power and still looks very nice and is a complete joy to drive around and play in the sand. I've enjoyed this vehicle so much. I also have a 1999 GMC Yukon. They are basically the same vehicle. And both 4x4 models both are fun in the sun and sand.
gms, so sorry for you having to defend the brand all the time, but to answer you....https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_tahoe.html
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 7, 2017 7:31:53 AM
Wow ! After looking at the link, I asked my neighbor who has a very clean looking Tahoe about his experience. That was a mistake , the more he talked the angrier he is definitely not a happy General Malaise customer. He said trading in this Spring,getting an Expedition.
gms, so sorry for you having to defend the brand all the time, but to answer you....https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_tahoe.html
Posted by: Nitro | Feb 7, 2017 7:31:53 AM
Wow ! After looking at the link, I asked my neighbor who has a very clean looking Tahoe about his experience. That was a mistake , the more he talked the angrier he is definitely not a happy General Malaise customer. He said trading in this Spring,getting an Expedition.
Posted by: FXDX1450 | Feb 7, 2017 8:13:20 AM
Great story. You should consider writing fiction novels. "After looking at the link", it was posted minutes ago! Where is your neighbor , in the bed beside you at the shelter.
That's hardly newsworthy. Obviously the Silverado would see more usage; Silverado is Chevy's biggest selling vehicle.
Wow this story really got the Ford clowns all kinds of upset. Ford your ten year old customers really want something like GM's Onstar 4G. Please hurry and give them something as good, because their crying is getting very annoying.
Every time I read the comments on this site I am reminded why I wiped my presence off of Facebook.
@gms, so sorry you have to continue to defend the twins, I forgot you asked about the silverado problems, I didnt mention the chevy shake, and mysterious broken spark plug issues....again, sorry you need to defend them all the time.
Wow this story really got the Ford clowns all kinds of upset. Ford your ten year old customers really want something like GM's Onstar 4G. Please hurry and give them something as good, because their crying is getting very annoying.
Posted by: johnny doe | Feb 7, 2017 8:55:38 AM
Ha!! Get over yourself, nobody cares for a stinkin chebby.
@Nitro: so sorry you have to continue to defend FORD for it's inability to offer the services (on-star), vehicle choice (mid size trucks) and most desirable options ( most powerful gas and diesel engines in both half ton and HD trucks) that GM customers enjoy.
@gms, again sorry you need to say the same thing I did to you because you cant come up with any positives on the twins, other than brochures......come on over to the real truck side and you will finally see what its like to be number 1
@Nitro, again sorry you need to say the same thing I did to you because you cant come up with any positives on Fords, other than brochures......come on over to the real truck side and you will finally see what its like to be number 1
Ram blows, how do you know? Free is awesome but if you're willing to pay, other manufacturers offer better options. It would be really nice to have both because I wouldn't be willing to pay. Notice you didn't say anything about loss of cell service. But I get it, you think Ford is the greatest.
@siree/gms same person, nice try sorry you have to continue to be a follower just like the twins follow ford, you foloow what everyone else does and cannot come up with anything on your own
Ram blows, how do you know? Free is awesome but if you're willing to pay, other manufacturers offer better options. It would be really nice to have both because I wouldn't be willing to pay. Notice you didn't say anything about loss of cell service. But I get it, you think Ford is the greatest.
Posted by: canoepaddler | Feb 7, 2017 11:34:41 AM
I never said Ford is the greatest. In fact you will never see me write that. But to think a sat service subscription is the best option is just dilusional. There are to many what iffs with either case. But it's hardly ever a situation where you loose cell service and the same with sat service. Then to have the Swiss cheese model align and you get into some severe wreck where one of those are out and don't work and you cannot reach a phone or whatever.
Now throw in this variable. The wreck is bad enough it destroys your battery and obviously the engine is off.
Onstar lost signal abruptly, they may send a emergency vechile to last known location knowing pervious data Expecially if on file phone number doesn't answer. That would be a good question for onstar service department.
Had a little free time a docs. Just get find my phone you'll be all good
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Woman-Rolls-500-Feet-Down-Mount-Hamilton-Rescue-Underway-279139781.html
That's an incredible story. That girl is really lucky to be alive and ok. Hopefully Onstar finds/ found a fix to the location issue. It is possible it could have been an issue with her car and the gps module.
Hopeful it gets upgrades to use cellular towers for locating too.still not screw up proof. Don't remember if that article said but cellular provider didn't get any closer than onstar did for location. Question is would police have been that concerned if not for onstar contacting them? But I may get a iPhone next time! Damn lucky lady for sure!
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