Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
1–10 of 128 posts
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#2I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection.
But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone?
Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#3I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
I think having an always-connected car would be really useful. On certain cell phone networks, such as Verizon's in the US, you cannot make a phone call and use data at the same time. I often take calls while in the car and find that I need access to critical data at the same time. I've considered adding a hot spot semi-permanently to the car just as a work around for this issue. Also keep in mind there are passengers who do have tablets, but don't have cell phones ( such as kids ). Finally, how cool would it be to put some always on devices in your car such as a Nest Cam / Dropcam!
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#4I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
A lot of people can't afford their cars and buy with credit. Something you can't really do on phone plans.
Also, this way you can add another middle man that makes money data-mining your browsing habits.
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#5I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
> Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
They probably will be collecting diagnostic data like Tesla does and it'll be written in the fine print. That is likely the real reason for the 4G modem installed in the car and the rest is just PR spin to encourage people to buy the always-connected vehicles. I fully expect this "free feature" to be paid for by these cars recording which parking lots you visit for Big Box store analytics as well as LEO per-request-fees.
They probably have some navigation stuff, radio, etc. built into the car that would use it as well for the dashboard.
The $20 a month, I suspect, covers Chevrolet's network costs so they can be paid on both ends.
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#6I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
I think having an always-connected car would be really useful. On certain cell phone networks, such as Verizon's in the US, you cannot make a phone call and use data at the same time. I often take calls while in the car and find that I need access to critical data at the same time. I've considered adding a hot spot semi-permanently to the car just as a work around for this issue. Also keep in mind there are passenger…
I suppose, but if I needed that, I would want a portable hotspot that wasn't bolted into the car.
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#7I don't get it, though. The article makes it seem like the primary use case is to connect your phones to the car via WiFi, so they can all use the car's 4g connection. But don't most people that can afford this already have unlimited (or close to it) data direct from the phone? Or is the data connection used by the car in some other way?
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Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#8I recently picked up a Volt which includes this OnStar 4G setup and have to say I'm extremely concerned at how quickly this "my car is on the internet" feature set is spreading.
Everything is managed by OnStar through their device that's factory installed into every new Chevy vehicle. They have had security breaches and had to fix white-hat reported vulnerabilities in the past[1]. This system isn't just "4G wifi as a hotspot", it has almost full access to every system in the car.
Chevy offers this mobile app called MyLink which lets you remote-start, lock, unlock your car using this same connection.
History shows that car manufacturers have not given near enough thought to the security of access to a vehicle. I'm afraid that it's only a matter of time before we have a bot net either using cars, a bot-net that attacks and takes over cars, or both, with the potential of lots of damage and loss of life.
As such I immediately told OnStar to disable service to my car and will be finding and disconnecting the OnStar box (as it still phones home periodically) as I just have no reason to trust such a thing at this time.
[1] https://www.wired.com/2015/09/gm-took-5-years-fix-full-takeo...
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#9I have to wonder how useful this unlimited data plan will be in 10-15 years when you're still driving the vehicle. What are the chances Chevy is going to even have an option to upgrade the radio when the one built into the car is obsolete?
Re: Chevrolet to offer unlimited data plan with cars
#10I recently picked up a Volt which includes this OnStar 4G setup and have to say I'm extremely concerned at how quickly this "my car is on the internet" feature set is spreading. Everything is managed by OnStar through their device that's factory installed into every new Chevy vehicle. They have had security breaches and had to fix white-hat reported vulnerabilities in the past[1]. This system isn't just "4G wifi as a…
Stuff like this has been around forever. I once drove a 2007 BMW 7 series which let me unlock/lock my car from my phone. I also got weather data etc. on my dash.
Now it is finally making it to normal cars. My 2014 Passat has it as well. However, I didn't activate it since it is tracking my location.
On the other hand, stuff like Onstar can save lives.
http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/10/14/san-jose-mount-hamilto...