Do You Have to Pay for WiFi in a Tesla?
tesla owners often wonder whether they need to pay for in-car WiFi. This article aims to clarify the issue and provide a comprehensive overview, explaining when and how you can access WiFi in your Tesla and the options you have, based on the vehicle's model and year of manufacture.
Underlying WiFi Infrastructure
Tesla vehicles utilize two distinct types of internet access:
Wi-Fi
On one hand, Tesla vehicles are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi capabilities. However, if you want to take full advantage of this feature, such as streaming media in the car, you'll need to have a Wi-Fi network available. This service is free, but it relies on an external internet connection. If you’re parked in your driveway with no home WiFi, you can tether your phone to the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot, but this may exceed your phone's data limits, making it cost-prohibitive.
Premium Connectivity (TCM)
On the other hand, Tesla offers a premium connectivity service, known as Tesla Connectivity Module (TCM). This service requires a subscription fee for accessing internet beyond the basic connectivity needs for navigation and diagnostics.
Free vs. Premium Connectivity
The basic connectivity to navigate and perform vehicle diagnostics is covered under the standard ownership package. However, for streaming media, watching movies, or other internet-based activities, you may need to subscribe to the premium connectivity service.
Cars Ordered Before July 1st, 2018
For cars ordered before July 1st, 2018, premium connectivity was included for free as long as you owned the car. This included unlimited data access for one year, after which a monthly subscription of $10 was required.
Cars Ordered After July 1st, 2018
After July 1st, 2018, the rule changed. You still get one year of free unlimited data access. However, after that, you have to pay a $10 monthly fee for access to the internet using the car’s built-in apps and web browser. If you prefer not to pay, the car still has a cellular connection that can be used for navigation and diagnostics, just without the internet streaming capability.
Specific Tesla Models and Their Connectivity Options
The vehicle model also affects the connectivity options. As of the latest information, some Model 3 vehicles require a monthly WiFi subscription of $10 - $12, while my Model S has lifetime connectivity, making it essentially free.
My Personal Experience
For car owners who want to pay $10 per month for internet in their car, it's a worthwhile investment, especially in Canada where internet and phone bills can be quite high. In certain areas, a $10 monthly subscription to Tesla's WiFi service is significantly cheaper than paying for an equivalent amount of data from traditional internet providers.
Conclusion
To summarize, whether or not you need to pay for WiFi in a Tesla depends on your specific situation and the model of the car. If you want premium internet access for activities like streaming music and movies, you'll need to subscribe. However, the base connectivity for navigation and diagnostic purposes is always free, although limited to one year for early models.
Should you decide to subscribe, it's a relatively affordable option in comparison to traditional internet plans, especially for Tesla owners who may already have high data bills.