Verizon Aims to Connect Older Cars With $15-a-Month Service

Verizon has announced Verizon Vehicle, a service it says will help hundreds of millions of older cars enjoy the in-car electronics and connectivity typically found only in the latest models.

Verizon Vehicle is a mix of features, combining everything from information on how a car is performing to roadside assistance to LoJack-like stolen-vehicle tracking. It uses the diagnostic port found in nearly all cars made during the last two decades, communicating via a Bluetooth speaker. The service is due to launch soon with a starting price of $14.99 a month, including all of the key features. Verizon Vehicle uses its own Verizon Wireless connection, rather than tethering to a smartphone, meaning it works regardless of which carrier one uses for cellphone service. The pricing is also the same for Verizon and non-Verizon phone customers.