How Verizon and KDDI Are Connecting BMW Cars to 5G

What does it take to put 5G in the driver's seat?

Verizon Business is making its case through a new partnership with KDDI and BMW Group, bringing nationwide 5G connectivity to the next generation of BMW vehicles.

Today's vehicles rely on always-on connectivity to power everything from remote services to music and podcast streaming, voice assistants and navigation systems inside the car.

With that, mobile operators like Verizon are becoming the essential providers of a seamless driving experience.

Connectivity services for US vehicles

That idea is at the heart of Verizon Business' latest collaboration with KDDI and BMW Group.

The partnership, announced by Verizon on 9 July 2026, will provide 5G and LTE connectivity for new BMW, MINI and other BMW Group vehicles manufactured for the US market.

It will support services including BMW ConnectedDrive, telematics, remote vehicle functions and digital infotainment.

5G Standalone hits the road

The collaboration makes BMW Group's latest US-manufactured vehicles the first to connect to Verizon's nationwide 5G Standalone for Connected Vehicles platform, built on its 5G core and 3GPP Release 16 standards.

The deployment gives vehicles direct cellular connectivity, enabling a growing range of digital services that depend on low latency and reliable network performance.

It also reflects how operators are extending 5G Standalone beyond consumer mobile services into connected enterprise applications.

Kyle Malady, CEO, Verizon Business, says: "Verizon is committed to delivering seamless connectivity for customers. Our collaboration with BMW Group and KDDI prioritises innovation and capability to advance the connected experience for drivers across the U.S."

KDDI powers the global platform

The collaboration builds on Verizon's long-standing relationship with KDDI, whose Global Communications Platform delivers IoT connectivity for original equipment manufacturers operating across international markets.

The platform enables BMW Group to manage the connectivity and data traffic flowing through Verizon's network, giving the automaker greater control over how connected services are delivered across its vehicles.

Satoshi Oishi, President & CEO, KDDI America, says: "At KDDI, we are honoured to support BMW Group's next generation connected vehicle services with our Global Communications Platform.

"With over two decades of experience in connected car telecommunications, we understand the critical importance of performance and reliability.

"Together with BMW Group and Verizon, we are committed to delivering an exceptional connected driving experience to customers across North America."

The deployment highlights how partnerships between operators, IoT platform providers and automotive manufacturers are becoming especially important as connected vehicle services continue to evolve.

The service is available on all newly manufactured BMW Group vehicles for the US market.