India, July 14 -- The connected car market is entering a new phase as telecom operators move beyond consumer smartphones and fixed wireless access to become providers of critical connectivity infrastructure for vehicles.

In the latest development, Verizon Business and KDDI have partnered with BMW Group to provide 5G Standalone (5G SA) and LTE connectivity for newly manufactured BMW, MINI and other BMW Group vehicles destined for the US market. The collaboration integrates Verizon's mobile network with KDDI's Global Communications Platform, enabling a range of digital services for connected vehicles.

The connectivity platform will support BMW ConnectedDrive as well as infotainment, telematics, remote diagnostics and app-based vehicle ser...