Preview: FordPass App Activated with User’s Mach-E VIN

[methorian]

you are right. The color showed up today. I tried to set up the WiFi but found out it HAS to be ATT. I have Verizon so now I am stuck getting ATT for the car only. You have to have this to get the OTA. Unlimited is $20 a month or $200 if you pay the entire year. I have no idea how much data OTA uses so I figure might as well spend the $200 and have permanent WIFI.

I do not believe this is correct at all. The paid service is simply to give you a Wifi Cellular Hotspot inside your car. This has nothing to do with the car's connectivity, only for if you want to be able to have folks connect to Wifi from within your car. You could purchase a hotspot from any cell carrier you'd like, at any price, to achieve the same goal.

The car's connected services are part of the FordPass program, and you will receive 3 years (pretty sure it's 3 years, I could be wrong here) of this service with the purchase of your car. This is what allows your car to download OTAs, map info, charger info, etc.

This is exactly like it is on a multitude of cars on the roads now, like my Hyundai Veloster. I received 3 years of BlueLink free with purchase - this lets me check the status of the car, lock the doors, remote start, etc, from any internet connected device, because the car itself is "connected". I do not, however, have Wifi hotspot from within my car, as I don't need or would ever pay for such a feature.

I will note that some OTA's may require the car be connected to Wifi due to their size. If you don't/can't garage your car near Wifi - you could simply use your phone as a hotspot (assuming you have unlimited/enough data on your cell phone's plan) and connect your Mach-E to your phone's hotspot to download the OTA.

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[SnBGC]

There is not much that you can do now with the app. The recent refresh has taken away the ability to connect to the vehicles as it is likely in some sort of transportation mode. That is a good thing.

Car manufactures can normally only have one internet provider. In this case, it is AT&T. I wouldn't go buying AT&T service at this time. I believe there is a period of time that the connectivity is free. OTA updates should also be able to be done via internet by connecting to your home, if you are able to do that.

Agree.
I know that some people get their feathers ruffled when we mention the Focus Electric but it's the only other Ford passenger EV so it's somewhat relevant to what we might expect with the MME.

The Focus Electric has a modem....like a cell phone and it's connected all the time. I never had to pay for a subscription or service plan. The car uses the modem to communicate MyFordMobile which is what Ford Pass is supposed to be for the MME.

The car can also download updates via WiFi when I am in range of a signal and able to connect. At home is the most likely place but my car also recognizes open wireless networks at retail establishments. I never have connected but I could if I wanted to. I can also use my cell phone's data plan to download an update. It's a menu choice on the Sync 3 screen. I presume the MME will also have the option to use your phone for OTA updates or even the WiFi at home.

I don't see any reason to purchase a WiFi plan but like everyone else.....I haven't explored the features of the car so maybe there is something that I haven't though of yet and might want to have WiFi for the car.
???

 

[JellyBelly]

I don't see any reason to purchase a WiFi plan but like everyone else.....I haven't explored the features of the car so maybe there is something that I haven't though of yet and might want to have WiFi for the car.
???

Same here not sure if there is any value in getting the car hotspot - unless someone wants to have a backup if their cell phone carrier is not AT&T and is not not receiving signal in an area that AT&T is still functioning

 

[eastern refugee]

When I open the WiFi up I see this screen. Now I agree on my Sync3 it hooks up to my house. So in short I am confused by the wording here.

 

[KAustin]

When I open the WiFi up I see this screen. Now I agree on my Sync3 it hooks up to my house. So in short I am confused by the wording here.

Because your vehicle can be used as a "hotspot" to connect other devices to the internet. I doubt that functionality will be free. The updates will be.

 

[SnBGC]

When I open the WiFi up I see this screen. Now I agree on my Sync3 it hooks up to my house. So in short I am confused by the wording here.

I think that text means that you can purchase a WiFi plan and if you do so, then you can track the data usage in your Ford Pass App.

 

[eastern refugee]

I think that text means that you can purchase a WiFi plan and if you do so, then you can track the data usage in your Ford Pass App.

so the question is is it worth it??? You cannot get OTA unless you have WiFi. So unless you are at home you cannot get the updates. If you fail to get one will it automatically download when you are back home???

 

[KAustin]

so the question is is it worth it??? You cannot get OTA unless you have WiFi. So unless you are at home you cannot get the updates. If you fail to get one will it automatically download when you are back home???

 

[dbsb3233]

You cannot get OTA unless you have WiFi. So unless you are at home you cannot get the updates. If you fail to get one will it automatically download when you are back home???

No, I think you're confusing "hotspot" with OTA. Two entirely different things. "Hotspot" means turning your car into a wifi router that something like a tablet can connect for internet service. Most people won't want or need that.

OTA should be something included with the car for free. That's the car's ability to connect to ATT for it's internal features, like software updates, maps, etc. Connecting the car to your home wifi will usually establish a faster connection for OTA updates, which is why it's suggested. But it's not necessary. It will get them OTA if not connected to home wifi (just slower).

 

[Thor188]

That's what i'm thinking too. I'm not anywhere near Mexico (Rotterdam - Netherlands - Europe) so must be a cloud thing.

Today i saw a "mange your vehicle" tab on the "Vehicle" tab in the app, didn't see that one earlier today or yesterday. if i see anything new i will screenshot it.

I was able to do the same on Nov 27 which was build day. I was able to go to the map function and see my car go from parking near the train loading area to the charging station twice. Then on Dec 4 got a text message from Ford saying my system has been rebooted. That kicked me out. Haven’t been able to reconnect. Thinking it is in Transport Mode now. Hopefully that means it’s on the way to Ottawa now.

 

[eastern refugee]

No, I think you're confusing "hotspot" with OTA. Two entirely different things. "Hotspot" means turning your car into a wifi router that something like a tablet can connect for internet service. Most people won't want or need that.

OTA should be something included with the car for free. That's the car's ability to connect to ATT for it's internal features, like software updates, maps, etc. Connecting the car to your home wifi will usually establish a faster connection for OTA updates, which is why it's suggested. But it's not necessary. It will get them OTA if not connected to home wifi (just slower).

thsnk you

 

[eltonlin]

Anyone have any idea of what the Wifi hotspot plans look like - pricing and data limits? Appears they are using AT&T.

 

[makooy]

Anyone have any idea of what the Wifi hotspot plans look like - pricing and data limits? Appears they are using AT&T.

don’t know as I’m not in the USA but in Europe
My guess is that not much people from Europe will be buying a WiFi plan for the Mach-E as data plans become cheaper each year (I got unlimited data/calls/texts for 24euro/month).

 

[hybrid2bev]

Anyone have any idea of what the Wifi hotspot plans look like - pricing and data limits? Appears they are using AT&T.

Here you go.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...-wireless-data-service-to-mme.1528/post-39838

 

[ChasingCoral]

The fact that they might be sitting in the sun in Mexico may be precisely why they are charging them to full.

Weather is lovely in that part of Mexico right now. High of 72°, low of 50°.

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