Mavericks have a Modem to stay connected to Ford, Who's paying for the Network connection ?

[Tony Pandy]

I can't find a clear answer to this one, Yes I know when I'm driving I have Blue tooth connected on my dime for Phone, Carplay, Android Auto etc.

There is a Modem with a Sim card (removable or embedded Not sure) mounted in our Mavericks that connects to the AT&T network for connection to the Ford Computers for Updates, Telematics etc.

So my question is, Is this connection on Ford's Dime or am I getting dinged by my network carrier for usage ? I do not have a unlimited plan for Cellular and don't want to get caught in the unknown.

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[oysterville]

Ford is paying. You are not.

 

[Fletch_KC]

Also, I don't think there's any extra network charge for using Bluetooth (beyond the cost of buying your phone).

 

[Tony Pandy]

Ford is paying. You are not.

What I was thinking but just wanted confirmation.

 

[Tony Pandy]

Modem connection is running even when our Mavericks are turned off and parked ? If so I wonder if this is contributing to the Battery Issues that Hybrid Owners are having. I would think Battery saver mode would turn the Modem off also but.... I wonder.

 

[dsford]

I can't find a clear answer to this one, Yes I know when I'm driving I have Blue tooth connected on my dime for Phone, Carplay, Android Auto etc.

There is a Modem with a Sim card (removable or embedded Not sure) mounted in our Mavericks that connects to the AT&T network for connection to the Ford Computers for Updates, Telematics etc.

So my question is, Is this connection on Ford's Dime or am I getting dinged by my network carrier for usage ? I do not have a unlimited plan for Cellular and don't want to get caught in the unknown.

The truth is every car produced after 2021 are

I can't find a clear answer to this one, Yes I know when I'm driving I have Blue tooth connected on my dime for Phone, Carplay, Android Auto etc.

There is a Modem with a Sim card (removable or embedded Not sure) mounted in our Mavericks that connects to the AT&T network for connection to the Ford Computers for Updates, Telematics etc.

So my question is, Is this connection on Ford's Dime or am I getting dinged by my network carrier for usage ? I do not have a unlimited plan for Cellular and don't want to get caught in the unknown.

I believe every car made from 2020 and afterwards are mandated by the Government to be connected to the network. The cost of this was probably included in the purchase price. A lot of people believe this was done so they can track us so law enforcement can easily find you if they need to. To afford this, go get a 1975 mustang or something. Basically a full mechanical car with no computer tech built it.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

My 2023 had the $20 discount Hot Spot removal (because of chip shortage), but still reports to FordPass.

 

[Carlitos_92]

I believe every car made from 2020 and afterwards are mandated by the Government to be connected to the network.

Any particular reason you would "believe" this?

Government agencies like DOT and NHTSA have been researching vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication for a while now, but I've never seen any evidence any telematics were mandatory. Seems like if it was a requirement, it wouldn't be defeatable with a simple fuse pull.

 

[MavUnicorn]

The consumer pays for everything (indirectly) unless Ford is operating at a loss. They're not, currently.

 

[am_fm_radio]

I can't find a clear answer to this one, Yes I know when I'm driving I have Blue tooth connected on my dime for Phone, Carplay, Android Auto etc.

There is a Modem with a Sim card (removable or embedded Not sure) mounted in our Mavericks that connects to the AT&T network for connection to the Ford Computers for Updates, Telematics etc.

So my question is, Is this connection on Ford's Dime or am I getting dinged by my network carrier for usage ? I do not have a unlimited plan for Cellular and don't want to get caught in the unknown.

FORD IS PAYING... BUT IF YOUR MAVERICK WAS ADVERTISED (SEE YOUR WINDOW STICKER) TO HAVE FORD PASS CONNECT- THEY ACTIVATING THE HOT SPOT ENABLING UP TO 10 WI-FI EQUIPED DEVICES REQUIRES YOU TO PAY $20 A MONTH TO AT&T.

 

[Robot-Wrangler]

There is an available AT&T WiFi Hotspot at cost. Otherwise the consumers are not currently billed for usage. The Fordpass app utilizes this modem connection and yes, it is always active unless the vehicle goes into deep sleep. It is true that both you and your Maverick can be located at all times. Ford is obligated to share this data with law enforcement upon request. Don't believe me? Just open your Fordpass app while you are not nearby your vehicle and check location. You will see both your vehicle and your phone, ie. your location as well. My family's 2014 Fusion Hybrid does not track on my Fordpass app as there is no modem in it. I would not be surprised if Ford turns tail and makes Fordpass a fee-based system soon.

 

[dsford]

Any particular reason you would "believe" this?

Government agencies like DOT and NHTSA have been researching vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication for a while now, but I've never seen any evidence any telematics were mandatory. Seems like if it was a requirement, it wouldn't be defeatable with a simple fuse pull.

I’ve heard people I trust say it and didn’t have a reason to think they’re lying. Also, it’s not far fetched for our government to do something like this.

 

[HeyBales]

I’ve heard people I trust say it and didn’t have a reason to think they’re lying. Also, it’s not far fetched for our government to do something like this.

Then like every other mandate it should be pretty easy to prove - like backup cameras or 3rd brake lights.

If you've never heard a source referenced - be skeptical.

 

[HeyBales]

There is an available AT&T WiFi Hotspot at cost. Otherwise the consumers are not currently billed for usage. The Fordpass app utilizes this modem connection and yes, it is always active unless the vehicle goes into deep sleep. It is true that both you and your Maverick can be located at all times. Ford is obligated to share this data with law enforcement upon request. Don't believe me? Just open your Fordpass app while you are not nearby your vehicle and check location. You will see both your vehicle and your phone, ie. your location as well. My family's 2014 Fusion Hybrid does not track on my Fordpass app as there is no modem in it. I would not be surprised if Ford turns tail and makes Fordpass a fee-based system soon.

I rarely have phone Location enabled.
My Fordpass app will ask to enable, I say no, it fails to show my location.
Obviously truck is, as that's part of the feature set.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

There is an available AT&T WiFi Hotspot at cost. Otherwise the consumers are not currently billed for usage. The Fordpass app utilizes this modem connection and yes, it is always active unless the vehicle goes into deep sleep. It is true that both you and your Maverick can be located at all times. Ford is obligated to share this data with law enforcement upon request. Don't believe me? Just open your Fordpass app while you are not nearby your vehicle and check location. You will see both your vehicle and your phone, ie. your location as well. My family's 2014 Fusion Hybrid does not track on my Fordpass app as there is no modem in it. I would not be surprised if Ford turns tail and makes Fordpass a fee-based system soon.

As stated, my 2023 Lariat had the WiFi Hotspot DELETE, "saving" $20 as stated on the window sticker.
This means, obviously, that the FordPass app DOES NOT need this modem to connect to the truck. Mine connects thru FordPass, with the location shown, WITHOUT the WiFi Hot Spot modem.

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