Internet connectivity problems in South Africa's two best-selling electric cars

[Daniel Puchert]

Mysterious problem with Internet connections in best-selling electric cars in South Africa

Owners of the two best-selling electric cars are unable to use their vehicles' built-in Internet connectivity — and the precise reason for the issue is shrouded in mystery.

MyBroadband has tested two Volvo models that are supposed to have Internet access through a built-in eSIM and modem.

 

[hj007]

Yeah - screw that, let me use my own products rather than being vendor locked.

 

[Syphonx]

Wait, so you can only use Spotify via the built in system and it will not work without internet? So no music in rural areas?

 

[My_King]

Just imagine in the future...

"Your Volvo kak can't authenticate to Volvo HO to confirm subscription status, error 404, disabling engine and locking car. Please move the car to an area with better internet signal and try again"

 

[hammell]

Volvo's legendary service on display... I've owned four Volvo's so I can speak - the two I have now will be my last...

 

[rvZA]

This is what you get for investing in this technology in Africa. No surprises here. Moving on.

 

[r00igev@@r]

Must be the cr@p internet we have in South Africa?

Or maybe the fart detectors under the seats need to be removed first?

 

[FiestaST]

The very definition of a first world problem but it’s pretty farked up taken into context.

“Honestly, it’s pretty ridiculous to install a router in a car that’s already prepared for 5G,” they said.

 

[Lycanthrope]

These cars support Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, yes?

So... what's the issue?

You'd traditionally do OS/software/firmware updates at home with the car parked and with access to WiFi anyway.

And I don't think anyone prefers using their car's own navigation/infotainment/whatever over Android Auto/CarPlay, do they? After all, why would you when your phone already has all your points of interest, Spotify account, audiobooks, various apps, etc. ready to go.

So, this as a bit of a non-issue, unless I've missed something?