dslreports logo
 story category
Ford to Build LTE WIreless Broadband Into All Vehicles by 2020
Ford says the company will be integrating LTE wireless broadband connectivity into all of the company's vehicles by 2020. According to the company's announcement, the move will pave the way to over-the-air (OTA) connected car updates. Of course while that's a handy improvement to the practice of physical mechanic firmware updates, we just got done discussing how many people feel they don't really need an in-car router or hotspot (or the added usage charges) in an era when everybody already has a high-powered modem in their pocket.

Most recommended from 55 comments


Tchaika
join:2017-03-20
New Orleans, LA

3 edits

13 recommendations

Tchaika

Member

Don't Need LTE For OTA Updates.....

.... could just accord the option to connect the car to WiFi when parked. Of course, that would give the consumer control, which is viewed as a bug, not a feature.

“Honey, my water broke, the baby is coming!”
“I’ll get the car.” (Please wait, applying ECU update 1 of 15......)
“Shit. Car won’t start. Call 911.” (Please wait. Installing new iOS......)
“Use the landline.” (Please wait while your VoIP modem is being upgraded......)
“Boil some water.” (Please wait while your IoT enabled stove installs updates.....)

Ain’t technology grand?
en103
join:2011-05-02

1 edit

10 recommendations

en103

Member

The reason for building in LTE Wireless isn't for 'you'...

Its for
a) Ford - they can monitor 'their' product for issues, and due to current software model 'patches'.
b) 3rd party businesses - You will be sent online notifications, 'friendly' (read paid for) ads and items in your area as you drive near them.
c) Big Brother - Whether its law enforcement wanting to disable your vehicle, unlock your car, track where you have been to, or listen in on those embedded microphones, this is a reality.
d) Insurance companies - they will want access to all of your metrics - from driving patterns to speeding to signal light to how much you drive at certain times of day, and bill accordingly.

I personally do not wish to have this type of feature in my vehicle even if its 'free' - I already have a cell phone.
I'm waiting for the lawsuit against distracted driving when some of these 'features' start to annoy you and can't be stopped.
NefCanuck
join:2007-06-26
Mississauga, ON

5 recommendations

NefCanuck

Member

Ford losing it's.... focus

First off let me say I'm a Ford fan and have had multiple Ford products over the years that Ive been extremely happy with, including what I'm driving now.

But considering that they have recalls for new cars because steering wheels can become disconnected and fall off due to improper bolts, I'd suggest they focus on building the car properly first and worry about adding computers and "features" later.

NefCanuck
raydsltech
join:2004-07-04
Concord, NC

5 recommendations

raydsltech

Member

Check engine light

How long until you get an email from DMV about your check engine light being on and the impending fines?
remusrm
join:2003-04-07
Frazier Park, CA

4 recommendations

remusrm

Member

big brother

eh... another reason not to get a Ford!
mmay149q
Premium Member
join:2009-03-05
Dallas, TX

4 recommendations

mmay149q

Premium Member

Sigh...

»memedad.com/memes/172636.gif

Seriously, why does my car need OTA firmware upgrades? I get it, lower cost to the dealership..... But seriously, even as a IT guys I think some stuff is too much, tons of computers in a vehicle is one of the things I dread...

Anon20db8
@2600:1005.x

4 recommendations

Anon20db8

Anon

If Microsoft can't keep

their products free from malware, bugs and defects. If Intel and amd can't keep their products free from defects and safe from threats, how will Ford or at&t or Verizon?
tommyr
join:2016-02-01

4 recommendations

tommyr

Member

Just what we need....

hackable cars. No thanks.
microphone
Premium Member
join:2009-04-29
Parkville, MD

3 recommendations

microphone

Premium Member

Would that mean another monthly bill?

One thing that has discouraged me from embracing modern technology are the monthly fees or charges. Would the service be mandatory for proper functioning of the vehicle?