HARMAN and Sierra Wireless offer 4G LTE broadband connectivity


HARMAN, a global audio and infotainment group, announced it is ready to begin
road tests through LTE-networked areas in Europe.




Tests in the US will follow. Test vehicles will be equipped with the latest
infotainment system platform technology integrating an AirPrime embedded
wireless module developed by Sierra Wireless.




As LTE continues to emerge as the next generation broadband connection to the
car, HARMAN and Sierra Wireless allow drivers to have a truly connected driving
experience by giving them access to a vast array of web content and services
right from the cloud.




“HARMAN is leading the industry to bring the best “always on”,
ultra-fast connectivity experience to drivers. Broadband connectivity in your
car is becoming a fundamental expectation and lifestyle requirement,” said
Sachin Lawande, chief technology officer HARMAN.




HARMAN started its collaboration with Sierra Wireless a year ago and was the
first OEM supplier to announce support for the Sierra Wireless AirPrime
embedded modules for LTE networks. With data download speeds of up to 100 Mbps,
and uploads as high as 50 Mbps on LTE networks, HARMAN is able to offer
automakers a multi-faceted media, office and online experience within the
vehicle.




HARMAN leverages deep experience in providing broadband connectivity to vehicle
systems and combines this expertise with Sierra Wireless AirPrime intelligent embedded modules for LTE networks.




First vehicle prototype integration into HARMAN’s latest infotainment system
generation is ready and shows promising results with peak data rates up to 70
Mbit/s and average speeds of 20 Mbit/s in urban conditions.




70 percent of vehicles produced globally in 2009 were equipped with
connectivity solutions. This number is expected to increase to 95 percent by
2012, according to Strategy Analytics.




“We are excited about the potential for 4G/LTE in the connected car, with
its ability to provide a richer multimedia experience that can increase both
safety and convenience for passengers and drivers,” said Philippe
Guillemette, chief technology officer, Sierra Wireless.




In addition to its 4G/LTE collaboration with Sierra Wireless, HARMAN helped
lead the expansion of the ngConnect Program to China in July 2010, with a
public demonstration of an LTE Connected Car during the Shanghai World Expo.




By Telecomlead.com Team


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