How Connected Cars Make Our Cities Smarter

No doubt about it, we live in a brave new world. One in which our digital life is expanding and evolving at an unprecedented rate. Wireless connectivity has spread from computers and smartphones to cars, homes and cities, and it’s simplifying and improving our way of living.
The rise of the machines or “smart” objects powered by machine-to-machine (M2M) technology has been a huge catalyst for the Internet of Things—a web of connected objects and devices that communicate with one another to make life easier. The automotive industry is leading the way with more than 23 million connected cars on the road today and projections for 152 million by 2020.
With Americans spending so much time in their cars, it is easy to see how connected cars can enrich our lives simply through technology. There is advanced 3D navigation, automatic emergency calling when accidents occur and always-on mobile WiFi. They can automatically exchange information with other smart objects such as traffic lights to help reduce road congestion and improve navigation. They can also direct drivers to the nearest open parking spot and turn on the heat and stereo system before arriving home.
The possibilities are limited only by our ability to securely manage wireless service plans for the long life of vehicles and smart city solutions.
Until recently, updating connected car systems was expensive and time consuming, requiring a trip to the dealership to change electronic components embedded under the dashboard. Now, consumers will soon be able to securely update wireless features and even add new vehicles or smart home devices to existing mobile service plans via a mobile device app or website visit. The new “on-demand connectivity” solution makes it much easier to adopt new technology or instantly take advantage of special offers without additional service contracts or monthly invoices.
“In an increasingly connected world, it is vital to remove barriers for growth,” said Gemalto Vice President Juan Lazcano. “On-demand connectivity allows people to easily manage their connected devices while helping mobile network operators improve service offerings and customer loyalty. It’s a win-win scenario.”
The best part is that Gemalto’s solution adds a layer of data security that ensures personal information is protected when service plan updates are made. This allows all of us to trust in the connected cars and smart cities of the future.