Transatel has announced the launch of its Ubigi data connectivity service for MINI connected vehicles, enabling Wi-Fi hotspot and 4G/5G in-car services across 27 European countries.
MINI customers throughout Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom now have the option to activate a Personal eSIM in their vehicles.
Service availability
The new connectivity features are accessible via MINI models equipped with MINI Operating System 9 and the "Personal eSIM" option. Customers can set up the service using the MINI App and subscribe to Ubigi's European data plans, which cover the EU 27, UK, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Transatel's Ubigi subscription starts at EUR €10 per month for unlimited data, with discounted options available for customers who opt for 12 or 36-month contracts. The data plans are designed to function independently from a driver's primary smartphone network, providing seamless onboard Wi-Fi regardless of their regular mobile subscription.
The Wi-Fi hotspot capability is designed to offer passengers and drivers consistent access to connected services throughout their travels, improving digital experiences in the vehicle without geographical limitations across the supported countries.
Company perspective
"We are very proud to see MINI joining our prestigious client portfolio. Transatel's global partnership with BMW Group is growing and so is our footprint in the connected car industry. With Ubigi we offer a unique value proposition to OEMs and their customers for seamless connectivity management." says Jacques Bonifay, CEO of Transatel.
This integration is part of Transatel's broader strategy to expand its connected car services and partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company already has agreements with several automotive brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Stellantis, Toyota, and BMW Group itself, allowing millions of vehicles and devices worldwide to connect via its managed Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity platform.
Background of Transatel and Ubigi
Since 2018, Transatel has facilitated automotive connectivity services across borders, supporting OEMs in deploying digital solutions for vehicles. Leveraging its agreements with local mobile carriers, Transatel currently provides 4G/5G connectivity in more than 200 countries and territories.
Ubigi, launched in 2017 as a Transatel brand, offers global prepaid mobile Internet for travellers, business users, and vehicle owners. The service operates through a network that includes over 300 mobile operator partnerships and distributed Network Edges, ensuring data delivery at near-local rates. Ubigi compatibility extends to all SIM and eSIM-enabled devices, encompassing smartphones, laptops, routers, and connected vehicles from major automotive brands.
Within the automotive sector, Ubigi's presence has steadily grown, supporting connectivity for several brands, now including MINI. The additional service layer provided by Ubigi's plans is aimed at supporting both B2C and B2B vehicle users, with the infrastructure managed via Transatel's telecom framework.
Subscription details
Activation of MINI's Personal eSIM is managed through the MINI App, directing users to Ubigi's European data plans. Customers are able to select the subscription period that best matches their requirements, with all plans providing unlimited data usage within the coverage area for a single monthly or annual fee.
The offering is positioned to address customer demand for reliable, always-available connectivity during road travel, particularly during busy holiday periods when users may be driving across borders.
Industry context
The partnership between Transatel and BMW Group reflects an ongoing trend in the automotive industry toward enhancing vehicle connectivity features. As vehicles become increasingly digitalised, the demand from consumers for high-capacity and broad coverage data solutions is expected to grow.
