U.S.-based telecom company Verizon Communications recently announced its new "Verizon Vehicle" service that lets drivers connect to a wireless network, and provide them with in-car digital services.

The new connected car service is designed for the 200 million older cars still in use. It offers drivers roadside assistance, vehicle monitoring and other services.

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It costs US$14.99 per month and comes with a two-year contract. It will launch April 10.

"As one of the largest communications companies in the world, we are dedicated to providing consumers with innovative technology solutions that connect people, solve challenges and inspire change." said Erik Goldman, President of Verizon Telematics.

"Verizon Vehicle is a unique and truly holistic aftermarket solution available to over 200 million vehicles on the road today. It affords millions of drivers the power of knowing when things aren't working well, potentially before a breakdown occurs -- fostering a safer, smarter and more economical way to drive and maintain a vehicle,"

"It's like having your own mechanic take a look under the hood each time you drive your vehicle," said Will Power, the 2014 Champion of Verizon's IndyCar Series, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The service will work on more than 9,000 car models, said Verizon. Users will have to plug into the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD 2) port via an OBD reader on their cars. The reader will access the users' vehicles diagnostics that include information on the car's different components.

Users will have access to information services via voice call, email, text message or by using Verizon's Vehicle smartphone app compatible with Android and iOS operating systems.

"And while even the best technology can't prevent every breakdown, the service modernizes the traditional roadside assistance offerings which, for the most part, haven't been updated in 50 years," Goldman added.

TagsVerizon Communications, Verizon Vehicle, Car Service, Vehicle, Verizon Telematics, OBD reader