Alternate Wireless Service Carriers

[FlyingAvocado]

Has anyone been able to get Jeep to provide an carrier unlock code for the eSIM? I have a 2022 on order which will have the new 10.1" uconnect -- the ideal situation would be to add a physical SIM card in addition to the eSIM to allow me to use both AT&T and whatever carrier I choose. I use Google FI for data only service since the monthly service itself is free for data only devices and just charged by data usage. I would rather not use anything else. Any other option would likely have worse coverage and be significantly more expensive (ie: AT&T).

 

[tekylaz]

I am also interested to know if I can use Verizon service instead of ATT in a GC L 2021.
Anyway to do this?

 

[kpc007]

I am also interested to know if I can use Verizon service instead of ATT in a GC L 2021.
Anyway to do this?

I would think you could use the hotspot function on your cell phone. I would be interested if I could link my ATT unlimited cell service to the vehicles wifi system thereby eliminating the need for a separate vehicle service through ATT.

 

[FlyingAvocado]

I am under the impression that some of the advanced ADAS systems require the built-in wireless connection to function. If that can work via a hotspot, then it might not be an issue. However, I think by law Jeep is required to provide an device unlock code if requested. I was just hoping that there was someone out there who had done this already.

 

[kpc007]

I am under the impression that some of the advanced ADAS systems require the built-in wireless connection to function. If that can work via a hotspot, then it might not be an issue. However, I think by law Jeep is required to provide an device unlock code if requested. I was just hoping that there was someone out there who had done this already.

I called AT&T regarding this issue and they stuck to the $20 per month fee to add to my account. When I informed them that I have hotspot capability he quickly offered a $10 plan since I already have the elite plan with unlimited data. However, I would still be limited to the 10g max data for the Jeep even though my hotspot data, per month, is 30g. On a long trip with kids in the back seat you would quickly use up the 10g data. What a scam..............very strange indeed!!

 

[Sarge]

My understanding is the ATT plan gives you 22GB of data, and then slows your roll via speed caps. I assume Jeep has a contract with ATT to be an exclusive provider, hence all other services are locked out. They don't care about customers as much as they care about shareholders, just like ATT and every other big corporation.

 

[kpc007]

My understanding is the ATT plan gives you 22GB of data, and then slows your roll via speed caps. I assume Jeep has a contract with ATT to be an exclusive provider, hence all other services are locked out. They don't care about customers as much as they care about shareholders, just like ATT and every other big corporation.

Well, the AT&T rep that handles vehicle assignment (Internet) told me it was 10g which sounds very low. I dialed the number provided by Jeep! Go figure.

 

[Sarge]

This is what I see when I click through the links. I think there are two plans, and it's the $20 "Unlimited" plan that caps you to 20GB or something and then slows your roll. You probably bought the smaller $10 one? It won't give you any info on the page, it seems like you have to make a choice without knowing what the deal is.

The infuriating thing is by the time you add all the functionality to the car (XM, remote start app, self-driving, etc etc) you end up with a $200/mo rental bill on top of paying for all the equipment you thought you bought in the first place. Some of it I can understand (Sirius XM), but it's just getting out of hand IMO. The Jeep should also be able to connect via your phone's hotspot if you already have that service, and the rest of the services should be a much smaller fee.

 

[FlyingAvocado]

I assume Jeep has a contract with ATT to be an exclusive provider, hence all other services are locked out

That may be the case, however I am not sure that it's lawful. Right to repair laws along with the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act make it likely that Jeep is required to provide an unlock code when requested.

I am still waiting for my WL75 to be built, but any one interested in unlocking should start pressuring them.

 

[FlyingAvocado]

I just got around to this, and was told, "I would need to recommend calling into AT&T 866 5951330 they will be able to provide the code to you that is needed." I will give that a try in the coming days and report back.

 

[Sarge]

I agree, I just meant ATT is the OEM supplier out of the gate, but yes: You should absolutely be able to change providers. The only caveat is whether it's possible technologically (some older devices used to be carrier-specific, like iPads and such, and you could not change the SIM cards). I'm not sure if the tech in the Jeep uses a SIM card, so it may in fact be locked to ATT, which would mean the only avenue is a bunch of lawyers and a class action granting everyone a $20 gift card for the dealer service lounge vending machine.

 

[FlyingAvocado]

I agree, I just meant ATT is the OEM supplier out of the gate, but yes: You should absolutely be able to change providers. The only caveat is whether it's possible technologically (some older devices used to be carrier-specific, like iPads and such, and you could not change the SIM cards). I'm not sure if the tech in the Jeep uses a SIM card, so it may in fact be locked to ATT, which would mean the only avenue is a bunch of lawyers and a class action granting everyone a $20 gift card for the dealer service lounge vending machine.

That is very possible. I think one other factor is that they may have contracted with AT&T for the SOS and vehicle telemetry. (The help/roadside-assist button when I used it called via my paired phone.) My hope is that they use an eSIMs, which can be used different providers.

 

[Sarge]

That is very possible. I think one other factor is that they may have contracted with AT&T for the SOS and vehicle telemetry. (The help/roadside-assist button when I used it called via my paired phone.) My hope is that they use an eSIMs, which can be used different providers.

From what I've seen on here, eSIMs seem pretty modern. The Uconnect is based on some really old hardware and software from what I read (wish I could find the post, the poster showed the coding in it, and it gave me the impression the car is run by a Raspberry Pi or something. I get using older, stable systems, but mine has been the furthest thing from stable...