We know what you’re all thinking: Yea, GM vehicles have available built-in 4G Internet capability, but how fast is it? Based on tests conducted by an independent publication, it might just be faster than the Internet at your house. We say this based on the number of megabits per second one Jalopnik writer noted when testing the hotspot out. He actually said the 2015 GMC Sierra has better Wi-Fi than his office and “nicer seats too.”
Using one of those online speed tests, Jalopnik columnist Andrew Collins observed that the Sierra’s Wi-Fi download and upload speeds were 12 mbps and 16 mbps respectively. That’s comparable to what some people get in their homes, depending on the type of connection.
Putting the numbers aside for a second, what’s really important here is that Collins said streaming videos, tweeting and saving posts all worked without interruption. In his experiment, however, the truck stayed stationary.
So what can you expect when on the road? In a separate review of another GM car, writer Matt Hardigree said, “The connection was stronger and more consistent than what I've experienced on a plane or in my many attempts to use Wi-Fi when traveling on Amtrak.”
In Hardigree’s experiment, Netflix streaming worked without a hiccup and the hotspot’s Internet speed hit highs of 15 mbps. Though for the majority of the trip it was around 4-6 mbps, which he called just “fine for most uses.” He was traveling 65 mph on the freeway by the way, so these numbers could vary when driving at lower speeds.
All in all, GM’s 4G LTE Wi-Fi works as promised. When the company says it offers a “connection you can count on,” they mean it. GMC models available with the new OnStar-powered hotspot include the 2015 Sierra, Canyon, Terrain and Yukon.
