Rivian is expanding its connectivity pipeline ahead of the official launch of its highly anticipated R2 SUV. Telecom giant AT&T has announced that it will serve as the exclusive connectivity provider to power built-in 5G capabilities for Rivian’s next-generation mass market vehicle across the U.S. and Canada.
The new deal expands a network partnership first established in 2023. By integrating high-speed 5G connectivity into the R2 platform, Rivian aims to provide a more responsive, software-driven experience that relies heavily on fast data speeds, low latency, and strong network reliability.
Powering Next-Gen Software and Infotainment
The R2 platform is expected to feature faster infotainment and AI processing hardware compared to the current R1 vehicles. Having access to high-speed 5G cellular will help maximize these hardware capabilities.
Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid recently outlined what we can expect from the R2’s software infrastructure, including features that would benefit from this connectivity upgrade. The upcoming vehicle will launch with RivianOS 2.0, a brand-new operating system with a dedicated, R2-exclusive Pet Cam feature, planned support for group text messaging, and new streaming apps like Amazon Music and YouTube Music. Older R1 models will also get RivianOS 2.0 later down the road.
The Rivian-AT&T partnership is designed to ensure that connectivity-reliant features operate seamlessly. “Connectivity is increasingly central to how vehicles are designed, delivered, and improved,” said Matt Harden, Vice President of Connected Solutions AT&T. “Our ongoing relationship with Rivian is built around that shift, and with 5G in the R2, we're helping create a platform for continuous innovation across the vehicle lifecycle.”
Lifelong Updates and R2 Deliveries
A direct benefit of upgrading to 5G is its ability to handle larger data packets. You could even download entire over-the-air (OTA) software updates over a 5G cellular connection (not that we would recommend it, though).
“Every Rivian leaves the factory as an intelligent, connected, and capable machine, but the technology journey doesn't stop there,” said Rivian’s Vice President of Business Development, Tom Solomon. “With 5G connectivity powered by AT&T, R2 owners will get a vehicle that can access powerful apps like navigation and streaming services, answer complex questions via the AI-powered Rivian Assistant, and improve continuously through over-the-air software updates.”
The announcement arrives just as the R2’s commercial launch moves into its final phase. Rivian originally kicked off R2 mass production back in April at its Normal, Illinois, facility. The order configurator is already live for reservation holders, and the first R2 customer deliveries have been confirmed to begin next week on June 9.
R2 deliveries are set to begin with the Performance Launch Package trim, the first variant rolling off the production lines. Rivian will begin introducing other build configurations later this year, starting with the Premium trim.
