[markharris]

I am a bit stumped. When I picked up my 11th Hybrid Touring, there was lots of discussion about the cool new screen, but not a word about the wifi/internet features. The rep didn't even mention the car has built-in Google Maps and Alexa. So I am driving the car for a week and I realize that everything in the car that needs the internet works fine, even without my iphone paired to it. I didn't setup anything in the car for Internet, and yet it all works. Spotify, Google Playstore, Maps... even Alexa once I enetered my Prime login information.

So the question is: Is Internet INCLUDED in the price of the car, or when will this capability stop working unless I pay for it? Is this a trial or a permanent thing? The dealership never discussed any of this, nor did they try to sign me up for any subscription services. etc

 

[longhornaccord]

I am a bit stumped. When I picked up my 11th Hybrid Touring, there was lots of discussion about the cool new screen, but not a word about the wifi/internet features. The rep didn't even mention the car has built-in Google Maps and Alexa. So I am driving the car for a week and I realize that everything in the car that needs the internet works fine, even without my iphone paired to it. I didn't setup anything in the car for Internet, and yet it all works. Spotify, Google Playstore, Maps... even Alexa once I enetered my Prime login information.

So the question is: Is Internet INCLUDED in the price of the car, or when will this capability stop working unless I pay for it? Is this a trial or a permanent thing? The dealership never discussed any of this, nor did they try to sign me up for any subscription services. etc

Have you tried calling your salesman to check on that? He should know.

 

[123456sp]

Honda says the Google services and it's internet connection is 'free' for 3 years with the G11 Touring purchase. I assume Honda has their own account that handles this service unless they had you sign up with Google, (they probably didn't?) After that, no one seems to know the actual user fee. I'm assuming if you sell the car before 3 years the free service stops for the 2nd owner but maybe not if it was not set up as a personal account..
In my G10 you can purchase ATT hotspot service if you want full-time wifi for gadgets. The after market may bring these services to internet ready cars, just like the dongle I got that enables wireless Carplay connection in my car that does not have that feature. But then again, Google and the car manufacturers may for now, have locked in this service so you can't get it unless you buy particular cars with it.

 

[markharris]

She-zam!!! Like getting something for nothing, huh?! LOL. I DID ask the sales rep about this and he mumbled something about Carplay and my iPhone, and didn't seem to understand that I had tried the services with and without my phone being present and it worked either way. He just thought there was some magical tether to my iPhone...

Thanks for the info above. I might just keep this car past 3 years, its SOOOO sweet.

 

[markharris]

I DO see a new hotspot provided by my car ("Car-XXXX"), but am a bit concerned about going through the setup Wifi process (as shown above) in case I damage the existing 'free' services. I don't think ATT will be part of the game, but I also see buy a ATT subscription prompt on that same screen, but wanted to check with my dealership tech guy before I start any kind of wireless setup.

 

[123456sp]

ATT hotspot is different service than the Google services I assume. Hotspot seems like XM radio used to be, free 3 month XM radio trial at purchase of car.

 

[LeroyR]

My window sticker says this about data access:

NO CHARGE:
3-Years Unlimited Data for In-Vehicle Apps Valued at $540

I figure that means I get free data for 3 years for maps and other built-in apps (maybe even downloaded music apps?). I don’t take this to include hotspot data.

 

[markharris]

I think its everything Internet except hotspot tethering kind of stuff. I turned my phone off, and then used Alexa, Google maps, and Spotify and it worked just fine. so if I devide $540/36mo, I get $15/mo after the first 3 years.... ($180/year)

 

[LeroyR]

I typically use CarPlay anyway, but $15/month to continue using the in-car navigation after 3 years is a pretty raw deal. I don’t know if Google Maps stores offline maps for the whole country, so you may be SOL if you don’t opt for the service once your trial is over. I wonder if you can uninstall the app.

 

[MartyV6]

I typically use CarPlay anyway, but $15/month to continue using the in-car navigation after 3 years is a pretty raw deal. I don’t know if Google Maps stores offline maps for the whole country, so you may be SOL if you don’t opt for the service once your trial is over. I wonder if you can uninstall the app.

Why can't you just use Carplay or Android at that time?

 

[LeroyR]

I do, and will, but the fact remains that you have to pay to effectively use the In-car navigation because of the nature of Google Maps. Maybe the offline maps feature lets you download everything before it dies, but if not you’re screwed. Not everyone uses their phone for that purpose.

 

[Patric Pederson]

Does this car support LTE only or LTE/5G cellular tech?

 

[Demon72]

I think its everything Internet except hotspot tethering kind of stuff. I turned my phone off, and then used Alexa, Google maps, and Spotify and it worked just fine. so if I devide $540/36mo, I get $15/mo after the first 3 years.... ($180/year)

Best I can tell hot spot is not included in the "free 3 year unlimited data". When I asked at my dealer about turning on the 3 years nobody could figure it out. I've since decided it is on but its only handles the google stuff and any apps you may be using. Thing is none of the apps are worth using. There is no SXM. So paying for it after the 3 years is not likely. A side note while researching this issue I see if you do turn on the hotspot with an ATT plan and you want to use it to run your phone you have to use a wired connection to use Android Auto, lame!

 

[baldbear]

I typically use CarPlay anyway, but $15/month to continue using the in-car navigation after 3 years is a pretty raw deal. I don’t know if Google Maps stores offline maps for the whole country, so you may be SOL if you don’t opt for the service once your trial is over. I wonder if you can uninstall the app.

You can tether your car to your home wi-fi and download all the maps you need at home.

 

[baldbear]

Why can't you just use Carplay or Android at that time?

You can, it's just not as high resolution on the big screen or integrated into the car's Google Assistant.

 

[baldbear]

Does this car support LTE only or LTE/5G cellular tech?

ATT is 5G where available, otherwise, it's LTE (4G).

 

[Lyn Wilson]

Best I can tell hot spot is not included in the "free 3 year unlimited data". When I asked at my dealer about turning on the 3 years nobody could figure it out. I've since decided it is on but its only handles the google stuff and any apps you may be using. Thing is none of the apps are worth using. There is no SXM. So paying for it after the 3 years is not likely. A side note while researching this issue I see if you do turn on the hotspot with an ATT plan and you want to use it to run your phone you have to use a wired connection to use Android Auto, lame!

Agree 100%. I was expecting to continue my XM radio which I have enjoyed for 16 years, but now I cannot even stream it without depending upon cell connection and incurring massive data usage. The car wifi isn't worth much at all, and will end up being a recurring cost for most customers. Honda effed up.

 

[Lyn Wilson]

Does this car support LTE only or LTE/5G cellular tech?

It isn't the car...the car is a local 5ghz router. AT&T is the ISP, and you are at the mercy of their services available during your drive.