How To Upgrade A 3G Tesla To LTE

Some Tesla cars only have 3G cellular support and with AT&T shutting down its 3G network in February of 2022, there is a need to upgrade the mobile internet hardware in affected cars to be able to use LTE. Newer models ship with updated connectivity already but several older Tesla vehicles are affected. Tesla previously shared which models need the upgrade, what impact there is on the features of those cars, and provided details about the cost to get the upgrade installed.

Since the first Model S, Tesla cars come with built-in wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. Bluetooth works with smartphones and is fairly standard in newer cars. The ability to connect to mobile internet is also common and Tesla offers navigation for free. In order to see live traffic visualizations and satellite views of maps, the Premium Connectivity Package is required at a cost of $10 per month or $99 per year. With the paid option, the touchscreen internet browser can be used along with music and video streaming, so it’s a nice and affordable option.

Since AT&T has shut down its 3G cellular network, some Tesla Model S cars have lost mobile internet, even if the owners are paying for Premium Connectivity. Tesla advised of this issue well in advance, but some drivers may have still been caught off guard. The upgrade to an LTE modem is relatively easy and costs $200. Without mobile internet, several services are disabled when on the road so this is an important hardware update. The best solution is to schedule a service appointment which can be done via the Tesla mobile app. The user should select ‘Schedule Service,’ then ‘Upgrades & Accessories,’ and finally ‘LTE Upgrade’ to make an appointment. According to Tesla, the service takes about 90 minutes, although that time can be reduced to as little as 30 minutes when combined with another repair or upgrade.

Affected Tesla Models And Features

The cars affected are Model S vehicles built before June of 2015, although some owners have already received the upgrade in the last several years. For example, the ‘Infotainment Upgrade’ included the newer modem. If uncertain, there is a way to find out by checking the touchscreen information. In the connectivity status bars near the top of the touchscreen, look for ‘3G‘ or ‘LTE‘ with the latter indicating that the upgrade has already been installed.

Affected features include over-the-air updates, roadside assistance to remotely unlock the vehicle, and some mobile app capabilities, such as Summon, cabin pre-conditioning, vehicle location, and remote unlock. Infotainment features including navigation, maps, live traffic updates, current Supercharger availability, and online music streaming will also be disabled unless switching to LTE.

As all of these features are still available via Wi-Fi, these Tesla cars are restricted but not totally disabled by the lack of 3G connectivity. An alternative for mobile internet is to connect to a Wi-Fi signal by using a smartphone’s hotspot or with a dedicated mobile hotspot device. Naturally, this will affect mobile data, making Tesla‘s LTE upgrade the more sensible solution.

Source: Tesla

About The Author

Alan Truly
(1141 Articles Published)

Alan is a Tech Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

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