Wi-Fi Hotspot question…

[DUNE RAP]

I just contacted AT&T and set up The wireless hotspot in my Rubicon. The lady on the phone assured me that the Wi-Fi comes to my Jeep via “satellite”. I recently went camping and lost my Verizon cell phone signal for the entire weekend. Now that I have the hotspot turned on in my jeep I should have the ability to connect to it. My question is…am I correct?

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[Gladius Nova]

Following.

 

[Cypher]

Its not a satellite connection, it is cellular just like your phone or any other hotspot. It is more powerful than your cell so you will get coverage longer, but ultimately you are still limited to ATTs coverage.

 

[john adams]

The satellites may be part of the chain but coverage is subject to towers and antennas just like your phone. If you can't get a signal on your phone, you probably can't get one in your Jeep.

What I want to know is why anyone would want to get this feature. If I have phone coverage, what's the advantage of my car being a roaming hotspot? (I really don't know. I've turned this feature down on two other cars.)

 

[DavidArmen]

It’s a cellular data connection just like any cell phone and it uses the AT&T nationwide cellular network.

 

[UniqueUserName]

When Starlink offers a mobile hotspot for autos it'll be satellite-based. AT&T? not so much.

 

[Cypher]

The satellites may be part of the chain but coverage is subject to towers and antennas just like your phone. If you can't get a signal on your phone, you probably can't get one in your Jeep.

What I want to know is why anyone would want to get this feature. If I have phone coverage, what's the advantage of my car being a roaming hotspot? (I really don't know. I've turned this feature down on two other cars.)

I have used this in my last 4 new Jeeps, I travel a lot and this connection is much, much better than a cellphone. If you have children, or need to work from a mobile hotspot it blows your cell away. I am able to get a signal, and keep a connection much longer than just off my cell phone. I have also used it to work when out camping a few times, it really is pretty useful, and if you already have ATT it is only 10$ month.

 

[macintux]

I have used this in my last 4 new Jeeps, I travel a lot and this connection is much, much better than a cellphone. If you have children, or need to work from a mobile hotspot it blows your cell away. I am able to get a signal, and keep a connection much longer than just off my cell phone. I have also used it to work when out camping a few times, it really is pretty useful, and if you already have ATT it is only 10$ month.

I’ve been thinking this may allow me to camp more often, since I can work so long as I have a connection.

 

[Cypher]

I’ve been thinking this may allow me to camp more often, since I can work so long as I have a connection.

as long as you are within range of ATT towers it works great. I have worked many times using the connection, and my daughter has watched a lot of movies, tv, and played online games while traveling.

 

[DUNE RAP]

I called back and talked to someone else and a supervisor…they keep telling me it’s definitely a satellite connection. They said if your camping and loose cell service you will still have WiFi….

 

[Cypher]

I called back and talked to someone else and a supervisor…they keep telling me it’s definitely a satellite connection. They said if your camping and loose cell service you will still have WiFi….

100% not accurate.

I called back and talked to someone else and a supervisor…they keep telling me it’s definitely a satellite connection. They said if your camping and loose cell service you will still have WiFi….

100% not accurate.

here is the old doc from Mopar on this. This used to be 3g, I think it is now 4g in the JL. (cant find the newest doc to support).

https://www.mopar.com/content/dam/mopar/pdf/uconnect/Uconnect.WiFiHotspot.pdf

This uses the ATT mobile network for a mobile wifi hotspot.

 

[AZJeepGuy]

It could possibly be better because the antenna in the vehicle is much better than the 2" wire in your phone. Likely uses all the same towers but the better antenna has better reach and strength.

 

[ldstruckn]

The at&t hotspot in my raptor is cellular based, no satellite connection

 

[Cypher]

It could possibly be better because the antenna in the vehicle is much better than the 2" wire in your phone. Likely uses all the same towers but the better antenna has better reach and strength.

For the most part thats correct. The easiest way to look at it is think of it like a handheld CB vs a hard wired one. The antenna and the power of the receiver is what gives you better range.

A cell phone can only do so much with the space and battery it has.

 

[Cypher]

The at&t hotspot in my raptor is cellular based, no satellite connection

I am not aware of any vehicles with a Satellite wifi connection. Ford, GM and FCA all use cellular for sure. The potential security vulnerabilities due to this is something I have researched for yearS.

If looking for something interesting, check out Charley Millers work with Jeeps and their connectivity.

Here is a decent high level overview. www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/08/02/charlie-miller-chris-valasek-jeep-hackers-steering-brake/amp/

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