4G/LTE Hotspot question

[Garemlin]

So I'm curious about the 4G/LTE Hotspot. Not that familiar with it because I've never used it on any vehicle I have owned. Does it have anything to do with the ability to use the Ford Pass app features like unlock and remote start?? The reason I'm asking is because the 4G hotspot is an automatic delete on my order.

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[brroberts]

Ford Pass is a bit buggy at times, but the hotspot activation is not required to use it. My doors wouldn’t unlock today and I had to use the fob.

 

[Frenchy]

The 4G hotspot is used for remote internet when wanted(and actually available since it runs off AT&T). Ford Pass should work just fine. Depending on the trim on the truck will depend on the available features for Ford Pass

 

[halligan1201]

So I'm curious about the 4G/LTE Hotspot. Not that familiar with it because I've never used it on any vehicle I have owned. Does it have anything to do with the ability to use the Ford Pass app features like unlock and remote start?? The reason I'm asking is because the 4G hotspot is an automatic delete on my order.

I'd press for a specific answer from Ford because I am under the impression that the cellular modem used to provide the hotspot is the one used to connect the Ford Pass services; you don't need to subscribe to the hotspot to get the Ford Pass features but I was under the impression the physical device would be needed to do things like remote start via the app since the manual says the vehicle must be within cellular service or connected to a known WiFi network for those features to work.

 

[Jbrubakerjr]

If you watch @fordvideoguy post What's New to the 2023 FORD RANGER he describes what this mean at the ends. All the functionality of the app should be there, but the HotSpot WiFi option will not.

 

[halligan1201]

The local dealer confirmed Ford Pass features will not be eliminated; they're replacing the modem/hotspot previously used with a simpler cellular device. There will be no retrofit possible.

 

[halligan1201]

They also said their literature from Ford doesn't list the Ranger or Bronco as part of the automatic delete; they have Escape, Bronco

So I'm curious about the 4G/LTE Hotspot. Not that familiar with it because I've never used it on any vehicle I have owned. Does it have anything to do with the ability to use the Ford Pass app features like unlock and remote start?? The reason I'm asking is because the 4G hotspot is an automatic delete on my order.

The same dealer I called said it is not an automatic delete for customer orders, only retail orders. Customer orders have the option but you will be waiting for the parts. They advised that if your dealer is saying it's automatic they are either placing it as a retail/dealer allocation order or they are deleting it to speed up your order but you do have the option to wait.

 

[Garemlin]

They also said their literature from Ford doesn't list the Ranger or Bronco as part of the automatic delete; they have Escape, Bronco

The same dealer I called said it is not an automatic delete for customer orders, only retail orders. Customer orders have the option but you will be waiting for the parts. They advised that if your dealer is saying it's automatic they are either placing it as a retail/dealer allocation order or they are deleting it to speed up your order but you do have the option to wait.

It's based on what you order. Like ESS is an auto delete with the Lariat but not on the Lariat with Tremor.

 

[ControlNode]

I guess it would really depend on what is missing, if it's just the hotspot Wi-Fi hardware you may be good. If the LTE modem is the shortage item than I would think no remote features would work.

 

[Squatchranger]

So I'm curious about the 4G/LTE Hotspot. Not that familiar with it because I've never used it on any vehicle I have owned. Does it have anything to do with the ability to use the Ford Pass app features like unlock and remote start?? The reason I'm asking is because the 4G hotspot is an automatic delete on my order.

So activating it is not required to use the fordpass features however having it is. Ford has an agreement with at&t to allow you to use the fordpass features free without having to activate it but you do need the hotspot installed even if not "activated" to use fordpass because the signals are transmitted via cell signal and you need the receiver transmitter combo to get the commands and have confirmation pinged back. So TLDR you will not have that functionality unless ford is replacing the modem with something else that can still receive and transmit the data

 

[RangerTX]

Hotspot is useless in my opinion. What phone does not have one? Does anyone not have unlimited data anymore?

I just think the hotspot feature is dated.

 

[Squatchranger]

Hotspot is useless in my opinion. What phone does not have one? Does anyone not have unlimited data anymore?

I just think the hotspot feature is dated.

100 percent thats probably why ford is axing it, I believe the other one who said there would still be a transmitter and receiver assembly for fordpass is right, after all why would ford get rid of one of their biggest advantages and selling points

 

[VAMike]

Hotspot is useless in my opinion. What phone does not have one? Does anyone not have unlimited data anymore?

I just think the hotspot feature is dated.

I think it would be really nice to have a truck hotspot with better antenna location and no heat generated in the phone trying to boost its power on a weak signal. But it's ATT only, so screw it.

 

[mtbikernate]

100 percent thats probably why ford is axing it, I believe the other one who said there would still be a transmitter and receiver assembly for fordpass is right, after all why would ford get rid of one of their biggest advantages and selling points

Yes, there are still people without unlimited data. I was one of them until a couple months ago.

That said, I think that automakers are starting to think a little more about this after the 3g deactivation and how that affected connected features for older vehicles. That's going to happen eventually for our 4g vehicles.

I think it would be really nice to have a truck hotspot with better antenna location and no heat generated in the phone trying to boost its power on a weak signal. But it's ATT only, so screw it.

I thought the improved antenna position might matter on the truck's 4g connection. But it didn't really make much difference. Reception was no better than my phone.

 

[VAMike]

I thought the improved antenna position might matter on the truck's 4g connection. But it didn't really make much difference. Reception was no better than my phone.

well, it's ATT

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