Cheap "Jeep" WiFi?

[HSVBamaBob]

Would like the advice from folks who have tested this or are currently using it.

 

Jeep is offering on all their 2015-on vehicles the ability to activate a WiFi HotSpot (UConnect) so "your passengers can shop, surf the Web, check emails and stay connected wirelessly on their personal devices."

 

So the question is, how good is this and more so do you have to be running the engine for the WiFi to work? Or will it work when the Acc is on?

 

Thinking if you could trickle charge your Jeep, this may be a interesting way to get WiFi on the road.

 

Or...is this just a bad idea?

[Chad Heiser]

If it is like the GM WiFi option, then it is just a cellular based access point similar to a myfi built into the vehicle. It is only as good as the cellular connection available, so it is dependent on which carrier Jeep uses and where you are located.

[TCW]

Again, not a Jeep owner. However, I do have a GM truck that has a cellphone on the Verizon system. No Wifi capability, but I have been in numerous locations where I could not get a connection with my verizon phone without moving a mile or more but could with the phone in the truck. I presume this is because of a better radio, or at least a better antenna on the truck or both.

[mrfrank]

I think that I read that having a built in WIFI setup makes the vehicle susceptible to hackers who would take control of your vehicle!

[Ronbo]

They can't take control of your jeep but they can hack your wifi and use your minutes. You will have to pay for cellular service with whoever. Don't know the speed or anything. I just have a Verizon unlimited plan and pay for teatherimg.

[rynosback]

Would like the advice from folks who have tested this or are currently using it.

 

Jeep is offering on all their 2015-on vehicles the ability to activate a WiFi HotSpot (UConnect) so "your passengers can shop, surf the Web, check emails and stay connected wirelessly on their personal devices."

 

So the question is, how good is this and more so do you have to be running the engine for the WiFi to work? Or will it work when the Acc is on?

 

Thinking if you could trickle charge your Jeep, this may be a interesting way to get WiFi on the road.

 

Or...is this just a bad idea?

On the Cummins forum I am on. People stated that the Uconnect was very slow and not reliable. That may have changed as it was about a year ago when I was looking into it. I would join a Jeep forum and do a search on it. As these are the end users giving there feedback on it. I would also think locations would very also.

[Dutch_12078]

Uconnect has been hacked to take over control of the vehicle:

 

"Miller and Valasek’s full arsenal includes functions that at lower speeds fully kill the engine, abruptly engage the brakes, or disable them altogether. The most disturbing maneuver came when they cut the Jeep’s brakes, leaving me frantically pumping the pedal as the 2-ton SUV slid uncontrollably into a ditch."

 

"Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep..."

 

I don't know if any patches have been rolled out...

[don&penny]

Uconnect has been hacked to take over control of the vehicle:

 

"Miller and Valasek’s full arsenal includes functions that at lower speeds fully kill the engine, abruptly engage the brakes, or disable them altogether. The most disturbing maneuver came when they cut the Jeep’s brakes, leaving me frantically pumping the pedal as the 2-ton SUV slid uncontrollably into a ditch."

 

"Hackers Remotely Kill a Jeep..."

 

I don't know if any patches have been rolled out...

 

A recall was issued concerning the hack and Chrysler sent a USB stick to the owners that corrected the problem.

 

Don

[Dutch_12078]

 

A recall was issued concerning the hack and Chrysler sent a USB stick to the owners that corrected the problem.

 

Don

 

That's good then!

[HSVBamaBob]

So a update: Turns out uConnect has teamed with Sprint - so coverage out west will be problematic.

 

We still have a little over 2 years before we retire and go fulltime...hopefully by then a WiFi/Internet solution or National cellular infrastructure will have improved.

 

Internet connection (and the ability to FaceTime with her mom and our college-aged kids) are a critical issue for the both of us. We can certainly tolerate not being connected for a couple days but off the net for a extended period of time will make for a very unhappy wife (and truth be told me too )

[Jack Mayer]

What is the issue with turning on the hotspot on your phone? Granted it will not have as good an antenna as a modem built into the vehicle. But we have traveled the entire US many times and are rarely out of cellular data range. I know because we stream music, and it is apparent when you lose service.

 

The alternative is a Jetpack that is portable. Put an antenna on the vehicle and simply plug the Jetpack in when you are in the vehicle. That "should" give you better reception and you can use it anywhere you can move the Jetpack. That way you can get service from any provider you desire....I'd recommend Verizon. They still have th best nationwide data service for those that move around a lot.