Will this count as a "device" that can be added to one of Verizon's and AT&T's new Shared data plans?
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contaygious
Active Member
Not paying ANOTHER internet plan. Already have home and phone which I use for my ipad too. Don't want to pay a car internet as well. Luckily it has wifi so we can just use an ipad/phone plan to power it anyway on 4g which is faster than 3g 
If you can tether the car to an iPhone etc, that would be nice. My impression was that it was intended to go the other way -- the car would act as a hotspot for Wi-Fi devices. But, if it's 3G, it will be slower than my iPad... I certainly would rather have LTE.
There's no reason that the car shouldn't be treated like a mobile hotspot device on the AT&T/Verizon shared data plans. Or, since it has its own data consumption, maybe as a tablet. Hopefully Tesla is talking to whichever carrier they are using (AT&T or T-Mobile, I guess -- wasn't there mention of a SIM?)
There's no reason that the car shouldn't be treated like a mobile hotspot device on the AT&T/Verizon shared data plans. Or, since it has its own data consumption, maybe as a tablet. Hopefully Tesla is talking to whichever carrier they are using (AT&T or T-Mobile, I guess -- wasn't there mention of a SIM?)
contaygious
Active Member
A rep told me you can use wifi to copy over music while it's in your garage so I assumed it can detect wifi hotspots
:wink:
Ah, the system can crank WAY up--an otolaryngologist's delight. Y'all will be wearing hearing aides (just like all the old rock stars) in no time!
Ah, the system can crank WAY up--an otolaryngologist's delight. Y'all will be wearing hearing aides (just like all the old rock stars) in no time!
gg_got_a_tesla
Model S: VIN 65513, Model 3: VIN 1913
AndyM
Member
Ah, good. I guess it can work both ways. Here's hoping!
That's exactly the intent. In the same conversation I had about the $18-a-month (estimated) plan, we talked about letting the car use my existing phone's tethering plan instead.
The car can use WiFi wherever it is - your phone's tether, Starbucks, home, etc.
If you depend on tethering with your phone, how does the car use the internet if you're not there with your phone, and there's no WiFi nearby?
Does the car use it's on 3G anyway for the remote control features?
Important update on 60kWh (I updated my original post as well): I spoke with my Product Specialist by phone 8/8, and he said that the Supercharging information I got at the showroom has been superseded. The official word now is that Supercharging details for 60kWh cars will be announced in September, and it may or may not require addition equipment in the car. For those folks who go ahead and Finalize 60kWh now, once those details are released, we will have the option to switch to 85kWh if that sounds like the better option when all details are known, with no delay in delivery.
This is the kind of stuff Tesla needs to do more of. Both giving buyers that commit before details the option to react to changes and telling us about it rather than letting our imaginations run wild.
Kudos on this one, Tesla.
Bound466
Member
Thanks MikeK for the additional info. I'll keep my fingers crossed. But I will still get the 60 either way.
I was told "yes." There's a "skinny" GSM connection for interaction with smartphone apps, Tesla Motors, etc. that is free. The high-bandwidth 3G connectivity is priced.
contaygious
Active Member
Ah, good. I guess it can work both ways. Here's hoping!
A rep told me this:
"If you were to opt for the technology package, turn by turn navigation with 7 years of free updates would be included as part of the functions on the touchscreen. The alternative would be to select the connectivity package, which would allow you 3G connectivity to access Google maps via the internet. The downside would be another data plan, and also no turn by turn voice prompts. I do believe that all Model S will have Wi-Fi connectivity, so you could tether the car anywhere a Wi-Fi signal is available to access the internet."
Right, but let's say that the Supercharge feature was $3500. (I doubt it will be, but play along...). At that point, for $6500 additional, you could also get the 85kWh pack. It would reduce the effective delta.
Or, perhaps they say that you can only Supercharge once a year (again, I'm proposing exaggerated examples). If you need to Supercharge every month, then you would have the option to upgrade.
My expectation is that there will be a nominal cost to add the hardware and/or use the chargers, and some limit on how often the smaller battery can use the Supercharger, but that my rare long distance trips will be accommodated within the limitations just fine. Fingers crossed!
Bastards!
The 60 kWh is the sweet spot in terms of price and practicality anyway. Range similar to a Roadster and with Supercharger hardware now included, probably a worthwhile upgrade if it's affordable. The added range may open up a few trips you wouldn't have thought about with the 40 kWh pack too.
CyberDutchie
Active Member
Actually, the other way around, I'm already half deaf, that's why I need to crank it up :wink:
