BMW Korea, in partnership with South Korea’s three major telecommunications companies SKT, LGU+, and KT, is launching the country’s first in-car eSIM service.
The in-car eSIM allows for mobile data use utilizing an embedded identification chip in the vehicle without the need for a physical chip. To enjoy various content on the rear-seat infotainment system ‘BMW Theater Screen’ of the new 7 Series launched in December last year, wireless data from a telecommunications provider is necessary, which is where the eSIM service comes into play.
To launch this first in-car eSIM service in the domestic automobile sector, BMW Korea collaborated with the three major mobile carriers for approximately two years. South Korea is now one of five countries within the BMW Group that offers in-car eSIM services, and it is the only country in the group to have launched the service through all existing local telecommunication providers.
BMW customers wishing to subscribe to the in-car eSIM service can select their preferred telecommunications provider through the MyBMW smartphone app. Subscribers can access all mobile services on the BMW Theater Screen integrated into the New 7 Series at speeds of up to 5G without a separate network connection. Additionally, models equipped with the latest OS 8 software can utilize the eSIM service for a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling YouTube viewing from the front seats as well (usage fees vary by telecommunications provider).
Kim Yong-sik, Head of SKT Connect Infra CO, stated, “BMW’s eSIM plan is the first dedicated vehicle eSIM pricing plan presented by SKT,” adding, “We launched a plan that provides customers with options for convenience in line with the expanding in-car entertainment devices in preparation for the era of autonomous driving.”
Kang Jong-oh, Senior Vice President of LG Uplus Smart Mobility Business Division, said, “LG Uplus has launched an eSIM pricing plan optimized for customer convenience in line with the expansion of large displays and infotainment services in vehicles,” and added, “We will dynamically review the launch of additional plans based on customer needs and continue to innovate the in-car experience for our customers.”
Lee Kyung-ro, Senior Vice President of KT Connected Car Business, noted, “The launch of the 5G connected car pricing plan in collaboration with BMW marks the beginning of integrating communications and infotainment, allowing for significant innovation in customers’ in-car experience through various combined products like telecommunications and media,” and stated, “Since KT is the only provider offering in-car calling services, we have maximized customer convenience while enabling economical use of telecommunications services through a combination of pricing and data plans.”
Han Sang-yoon, CEO of BMW Korea, expressed, “We are pleased to provide high-quality mobile services to BMW customers in Korea through our collaboration with the three major telecommunications companies, and New 7 Series customers will be able to enjoy an unprecedented level of digital experience inside the vehicle, facilitated by the advanced services of local mobile operators.”
Meanwhile, the BMW Theater Screen available in all models of the New 7 Series is the world’s first in-car entertainment system featuring a 31.3-inch panoramic display with a 32:9 aspect ratio that unfolds from the ceiling. It supports resolutions of up to 8K and integrates OTT platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, allowing direct operation without the need for separate device connections. Furthermore, it can also playback content from external devices via HDMI, transforming the vehicle into a mobile conference room.
The New 7 Series includes the ‘Theater Mode’ feature for the BMW Theater Screen. When activated via the touch command located on the rear door, all rear-seat blinds automatically unfold, and the interior lighting is adjusted to create an optimized environment for multimedia viewing.
By Jang Jin-seo, daedusj@autodiary.kr