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AT&T and ZTE USA have announced the launch of a new plug-in Wi-Fi hotspot for vehicles called ZTE Mobley.

The new hotspot will be available online and in-store at AT&T from September 11. It allows up to five devices to access the internet on an AT&T LTE network plan. The device can be plugged into the on-board diagnostics II port of a vehicle, which is available in most vehicles made from 1996.

The device features a Qualcomm MDM9215 processor and connects to AT&T's 4G LTE network. It switches on when the vehicle is running, removing the need for manually switching on the network. Users can use AT&T's Wi-Fi manager homepage to customise the network settings.

ZTE Mobley is available at no upfront charge on a two-year contract. A contract-free version is available for $100. The DataConnect internet plans currently available for this device are priced at $20 for 1GB and $30 for 3GB usage.

Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things (IoT), AT&T Mobility, said, "The ZTE Mobley is our first Wi-Fi plug-in for the car. It's great for everyone - families, entertainment enthusiasts and professionals. It allows multiple Wi-Fi-capable devices to connect to AT&T's 4G LTE network, making it perfect for anyone on-the-go."

Lixin Cheng, CEO and chairman, ZTE USA, said, "We worked with AT&T to define, build and deliver a product that was both useful and affordable. Collaborating with like-minded organisations in the US has brought innovative Wi-Fi products to market that fuels our success and industry evolution."

AT&T and ZTE are not the only telcos looking to make waves in the connected vehicle space; in August Verizon launched Hum, which updates drivers with real time roadside data and can be plugged into practically any car.