eSIM WiFi Issues and Benefits in Cars: Exploring In-Vehicle Hotspots and Future Possibilities
eSIM WiFi Issues in Cars
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One common issue that some car owners have experienced with their T-Mobile eSIM is the WiFi shutting off almost every time they start their vehicle. This can be quite frustrating, as it requires manually turning on the WiFi and reconnecting devices each time. The problem seems to persist even after seeking help from customer service representatives, who often suggest having a technician check out the issue.
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A similar situation occurred with AT&T's embedded WiFi in new Lexus vehicles. After an over-the-air (OTA) update, many users found that their WiFi would gray out whenever they shut off the engine. To restart the connection, they had to navigate through menus while the car was in Park or Neutral – a significant inconvenience for drivers. Unfortunately, AT&T and Lexus never provided a fix for this issue, leading many customers to cancel their in-car subscription plans.
Benefits of In-Vehicle Hotspots
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Some may wonder about the actual benefits of having an in-vehicle hotspot if passengers are only using their personal cell phones with individual signals. For those who frequently experience connectivity issues or have multiple devices connected to their data plan, an in-car hotspot can provide additional peace of mind and prevent reaching data limits. However, others might argue that there isn't much real-world use for such a feature, especially if they don't often encounter connectivity problems.
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It's important to note that the in-car hotspot is primarily intended for conventional web browsing rather than OTA updates or other BMW communications, which utilize a separate embedded system. Some people find value in having an eSIM-enabled hotspot for situations like using a WiFi-only iPad in the car or when traveling with a laptop that needs internet access en route. In these cases, the eSIM can offer faster and more reliable connections compared to tethered devices.
Future Possibilities for eSIM in Cars
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As of now, some car owners may not see the need to invest in an eSIM-enabled hotspot. However, this could change if automakers like BMW begin requiring eSIMs for video streaming services similar to Tesla's approach. For this to happen, though, BMW would first need to add popular platforms like YouTube to their entertainment offerings – something that remains uncertain at this time.
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Despite the current limitations and issues with eSIM WiFi in cars, there is still hope for improvements and expanded functionality in the future. For example, the YouTube app has already become available for some users, although eSIM activation is not yet possible in certain regions like the UK. As technology continues to advance and automakers work on enhancing their connectivity features, it's likely that we'll see more compelling reasons to consider eSIM hotspots in our vehicles.