AT&T In-vehicle Internet: IS IT WORTH IT? (1 Viewer)

[SROak]

I signed up for the in-vehicle AT&T internet service for my 2024 OT, but I can't seem to find any benefit. What am I missing? Or is it just a waste of $$$?

 

[kscarrol]

Was offered in my BMW and I never signed up for it... won't with the GX either.

 

[bruesjoh04]

I signed up for the in-vehicle AT&T internet service for my 2024 OT, but I can't seem to find any benefit. What am I missing? Or is it just a waste of $$$?

The AT&T service would provide a wireless hotspot to give an internet connection to devices that don’t already have their own (or don’t want to use their own data). It also would enable you to use the native Amazon Music or Apple Music sources in the Lexus Interface.

But you can easily use your own device to stream music either via Bluetooth or wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. And if you have other passengers in the car, they can use their own device data connection. If you have kids and need to give their WiFi-only devices data, you could either use your own phone as a hotspot, or you could buy a dedicated hotspot device.

It all depends on what you need and what makes sense for your use case. Most people would not benefit from paying for a hotspot tied to the vehicle, but some may appreciate the convenience for their family.

 

[Bluegill]

I know my kids would love for the truck to have it's own wifi network so they could use their ipads while we're on the road. Fortunately, they don't realize that I could pay for the truck to have it's own network!

 

[Caiya]

Nope, get a starlink mini and stick to the moon roof

 

[SROak]

It all depends on what you need and what makes sense for your use case. Most people would not benefit from paying for a hotspot tied to the vehicle,

Thanks for everyone's comments. Vehicle Wi-Fi made more sense 10 years ago, to me, when we only had 3G cell service. Personally, I can't see a use for the vehicle Wi-Fi when I have a 5G phone service, and no kids in the vehicle... But I often miss what's obvious staring me in the face, so I had to ask.

If cost didn't matter, the Starlink would be the way to go!

 

[rent]

Nope, get a starlink mini and stick to the moon roofView attachment 9945

hey that’s pretty awesome! what kind of mount is that?

 

[Caiya]

hey that’s pretty awesome! what kind of mount is that?

 

[RickBullotta]

If you own a mobile phone, no. Of course not.

 

[DaveK]

Totally worth it for me. My wife’s family is in Honduras and she talks to them through WhatsApp. Saves me a TON of money if she’s connected to a WiFi connection versus using a cellular connection.

 

[RickBullotta]

Totally worth it for me. My wife’s family is in Honduras and she talks to them through WhatsApp. Saves me a TON of money if she’s connected to a WiFi connection versus using a cellular connection.

She can just use your phone as a Wifi hotspot and save the AT&T fee.

 

[DaveK]

She can just use your phone as a Wifi hotspot and save the AT&T fee.

And here I thought we were friends. You suggesting I chauffeur her to and from work 5 days a week

 

[RickBullotta]

And here I thought we were friends. You suggesting I chauffeur her to and from work 5 days a week

What, you mean you don't have to do that? I think my wife and I need to chat...

 

[SROak]

And here I thought we were friends. You suggesting I chauffeur her to and from work 5 days a week

What, you mean you don't have to do that? I think my wife and I need to chat...

For sure there's a bro code that covered this dilemma, but damn if I can find it...

 

[Michael Reed]

I signed up for the in-vehicle AT&T internet service for my 2024 OT, but I can't seem to find any benefit. What am I missing? Or is it just a waste of $$$?








The in-vehicle AT&T service is mainly for streaming, Wi-Fi 192.168.0.1 admin hotspot use, and vehicle app connectivity while on the road.

If you don’t regularly use those features like hotspotting multiple devices, streaming media, or updating apps remotely it can feel unnecessary, and many users find it doesn’t justify the monthly cost.

 

[remmy]

I have T-Mobile magenta unlimited. Kids hot spot off me with my ‘unlimited’ hotspot. Their iPads even automatically connect to my iPhone and I don’t have to fidget with it.

Unlimited as in, only for so much data until it’s throttled. But traveling 7+ hours 4 times a month with them running two iPads and a gaming laptop streaming has never run into any issues since it resets every month. So no, I won’t be subscribing to a hotspot service. My T-Mobile has better coverage over all in the southeast anyway.

 

[tig]

Starlink Mini is amaze. Mine is mounted on my camper trailer, but I just ordered a mount similar to the one posted so I can use it without the trailer. I pay for the ability to use it while driving and love the fact that SpaceX lets you suspend the subscription on a monthly basis.

The mobile carriers are doomed.

 

[48Njim]

I simply stuffed a Starlink Mini in between the moon roof and inside slide for a recent road trip a remote area with no cellular service. Temporary, but worked great. High speed internet and wifi calling when there is no cell service - its a safety thing . The Starlink is usually hard mounted on the roof rack of another vehicle but its easy enough to relocate.

Agreed, mobile carriers are doomed. But I also expect Starlink Minis will replace toaster ovens at the thrift store in a few years once mobile devices go direct to satelites.