GM's 4G LTE Mobile Internet Concerns - Update

Last month I published a blog post discussing my concerns about the viability and security of GM's 4G LTE mobile data service that it's now offering in a wide range of automobiles.  Among other points, I voiced my doubts that drivers who already own a smart phone with a data plan would want to spring for a second subscription that would be restricted exclusively to their car or truck, and whether the password protocols protecting the Wi-Fi routers were robust enough to withstand potential hacking.

I was contacted shortly after by GM spokesperson Stuart Fowle, a gentleman with whom I have been happily acquainted for several years.  Fowle wanted to clarify a couple of things about his company's 4G LTE strategy, as well as answer my security questions.  GM realizes that smart phone owners aren't likely to spring for an additional data plan, which is why the 4G LTE service is targeted specifically at tablet users.  Stuart pointed out that most tablets - 90 percent in fact - don't have mobile data capability, and rely on Wi-Fi for their connectivity needs.

Fowle also corrected my assertion that GM's 4G LTE hotspot passwords would be easy to hack due to their similarity out of the factory.  He provided me with a list of actual production password examples, which consisted of a random mix of uppercase and lowercase letters assigned at the factory.  Dealers can assist owners in changing these passwords to whatever they want, and Stuart says that so far, about 60 percent of 4G LTE customers are opting to switch from the already-strong default access credentials.

I appreciate Stuart Fowle reaching out to help both myself and the Car Guide's readers better understand the 4G LTE technology on offer from General Motors.