If I opt to not pay for AT&T data, will that impact other features?

[ControlNode]

I'm not really wanting to pay AT&T for data (at least not the advertised options) when my cell phone plan has unlimited data. What features of the Ranger are dependent on the AT&T connection? If I've configured my home Wi-Fi in the truck, will it use that connection when available so that I still be able to start the truck with app on phone?

I plan to call AT&T to see if they have a plan where I can get prepaid 3GB and it last until used or at least 6 months for a fair price. Their monthly/annual unlimited plan is not worth it to me. My phone uses T-Mo/US-Cellular/Sprint (Yes, Google Fi) so in areas none of those work I would not mind the phone then using the metered Wi-Fi from the truck.

My phone plan even gives my extra data sims at no cost and they are also unlimited data. I could use an old phone as a mobile hotspot for the truck for cheaper

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[AzScorpion]

Nothing is impacted if you don't go with AT&T. I never activated mine for the free trial as it's usually a pain to cancel stuff on a free trial. Like you I have my truck connected to my homes wifi and everything works fine.

 

[21rangerCactus]

I never activated the free trial. The app and everything else works just fine.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Same as the others.

Never activated it and never will.

Unlike some other manufacturers, I don't believe Fordpass has features that expire after a period of time.

I know that Hyundai BlueLink only works for 3 years and then you have to subscribe to it to retain the functionality.

 

[ControlNode]

Thanks for the replies. That is what I was thinking.

I know seeing the Toyota news recently that 2018 and newer not allowing the key fob remote start without a subscription likely drove me to asking this question.

 

[Motorpsychology]

As I understand it, the AT&T datalink stays with the vehicle, subscription or not; It didn't always. It is constantly sending data back to Ford similar to a flight data recorder on an aircraft. How often ASS is used, shift points, HVAC, Homelink, power accessory use and more, which is why Ford keeps that datalink up w/o a subscription. The paid subscription just provides extra fluff like Sirius XM Traffic, Wifi Hotspot etc. My Ranger is linked to my home network for updates, and Both Google and Apple Maps have traffic overlays, and other distractions.

BTW: SiriusXM satellite radio is another separate subscription.

 

[ControlNode]

BTW: SiriusXM satellite radio is another separate subscription.

Aware, but that is a very common extra for cars. Was on my RS too. I'm not paying for it either, as stated, Unlimited data on phone that can also have hundreds of downloaded songs.

 

[mtbikernate]

Nah, paying for the data subscription gets you the wifi hotspot in your truck and that's about it.

I ran the numbers and found it to be cheaper to get the unlimited data plan on the truck than to get an unlimited data plan for the 2 phones on my plan. The only time I ever come close to using all the data in my usual monthly plan is on road trips. So that all kinda made the decision for me.

 

[ControlNode]

Nah, paying for the data subscription gets you the wifi hotspot in your truck and that's about it.

I ran the numbers and found it to be cheaper to get the unlimited data plan on the truck than to get an unlimited data plan for the 2 phones on my plan. The only time I ever come close to using all the data in my usual monthly plan is on road trips. So that all kinda made the decision for me.

Well as I mentioned, on my plan I get free additional Data SIMs that I can put in an old phone and enabled a hotspot with that with unlimited data. So the only value of the AT&T network would be in areas without T-Mo(data sim) or T-Mo/US Cellular/Sprint(voice SIM) coverage is possibly having coverage from AT&T.

 

[Trigganometry]

I’m on AT&T. The truck plan is an additional 10 bucks a month for unlimited usage if attached to my plan. Or, as I use it my phone is a hotspot and the head unit piggybacks off my phone for the services. I got unlimited already so why not!

 

[Motorpsychology]

I’m on AT&T. The truck plan is an additional 10 bucks a month for unlimited usage if attached to my plan. Or, as I use it my phone is a hotspot and the head unit piggybacks off my phone for the services. I got unlimited already so why not!

Same here with an AT&T business plan.

 

[AzScorpion]

Thanks for the replies. That is what I was thinking.

I know seeing the Toyota news recently that 2018 and newer not allowing the key fob remote start without a subscription likely drove me to asking this question.

I just posted a thread about this. Saw it this morning and didn't have time to post it.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...mote-start-into-a-subscription-service.17027/

 

[wanted33]

Nothing is impacted if you don't go with AT&T. I never activated mine for the free trial as it's usually a pain to cancel stuff on a free trial. Like you I have my truck connected to my homes wifi and everything works fine.

I remember back in the day we drove vehicles that weren't connected to anything. The horror, the horror.....

Well, that excludes my old GTO. It was connected to the gas pump.

 

[AzScorpion]

I remember back in the day we drove vehicles that weren't connected to anything. The horror, the horror.....

Sometimes I wish we could go back to those days without all this technology. I'll admit I do like most of it but now it takes over some peoples lives. Oh and this thread below is just the beginning of what I hope doesn't happen with other auto manufacturers.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...nto-a-subscription-service.17027/#post-345866

 

[wanted33]

Sometimes I wish we could go back to those days without all this technology. I'll admit I do like most of it but now it takes over some peoples lives. Oh and this thread below is just the beginning of what I hope doesn't happen with other auto manufacturers.

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...nto-a-subscription-service.17027/#post-345866

I do agree that many of the new fangled electronics are very helpful, and quite useful. But, I do still enjoy driving our old Camaro. The motor is too stupid not to run, and I have to actually roll the windows down myself. No power brakes, or steering to worry about. And, I can set the gap on the points, and plugs with a matchbook. However, some kids these days don't even know what a matchbook is.

Also, I don't expect I'll pay for anything just to be connected.

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