Free LTE Connectivity to end this month

[sierraskier]

I’d get a new 1-ton diesel. No need to rely on another subscription.

I'd just go back to a horse and buggy. No need to rely on mechanical propulsion.

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[srnyoung]

I can't imagine they're willing to effectively brick the infotainment system by charging for ALL data. Nav, streaming music would be gone. App tools like locks, window controls, find my car, etc. would all be gone. What an unattractive half-tech vehicle that would be! Especially when they don't provide a quality way to connect our own sources of music other than BT. (Or the cynic might say that's EXACTLY why they don't have a hardwired music option?)

I expect some basic level of connectivity will remain free - like those things mentioned above.
Hotspot, any streaming video, etc. will likely be pay-to-play.

But yes, obviously all idle speculation...

 

[Ladiver]

Do you pay for connected vehicle on the Vette or GMC 3500? That's $25 a month through On-star.

Nope. As soon as the initial trial ended, I reduced the coverage to the bare minimum since that was equal to the insurance discount I received. After insurance stopped the discount, I canceled On-Star.

 

[oskeei]

............... I get the feeling that Rivian intentionally left out the ability to plug a USB stick into the truck to play music so that it would force people to opt-in to the monthly service fee. ..................................

Since the software can communicate with a USB drive for Gear Guard, seems like a simple software upgrade (not talking about AA or CP) to allow us to stream from our phones/sticks via USB. Maybe Rivian considers it a security vulnerability and hasn't enabled? Nah I think they just want to push you to use the built in apps.

The only reason I think they let us stream via bluetooth is because the safety concern if we were not allowed phone calls via BT.

 

[Ladiver]

I'd just go back to a horse and buggy. No need to rely on mechanical propulsion.

My wife would love that! Plus, I could use the new 1-ton to haul the horse trailer.

 

[moosehead]

That’s gonna create a demand spike for those CP screen add ons.

 

[Ladiver]

It makes sense, take a $10K+ loss on a vehicle change instead of paying less than $10 a month.

I have had the truck for over a year and a half. Selling now with a depreciation would be expected. As for the subscription, I just can't support a subscription for something my phone does just as well. Now, as others have mentioned, if the subscription is $10 and includes charging and better media options, then I would think about it. But, I refuse to pay additionally for something I already pay for.

 

[Chadasm]

I’d get a new 1-ton diesel. No need to rely on another subscription.

I have a 2022 Ford F450. The built in music (satellite radio) had a 3-6 month trial that ran out unless I pay a subscription. It also has built in navigation that ran out after 6 month, again I need a subscription to re-enable it.
I just BT my phone for the Ford. If Rivian starts to charge, I’ll pay it. It’s cleaner and easier to me than the Ford Sync, even with CarPlay.

 

[R1TS]

Hey, at least Rivian still says that Driver+ will always be included. Ford is now charging $800 per year for it, and I personally think it’s a fair bit worse than Driver+ (others may have a different opinion, of course). Lots of other companies are charging for connected services as well, so I think this is the new normal.

We can always stream over BT for free instead of using Spotify. Personally, I have no problem paying a reasonable subscription fee of $100 per year or so, but I thoroughly enjoy having the native Spotify app and the remote start/climate controls in the app - especially after being in rentals over the last few weeks (including ones that have AA/Carplay).

I wouldn’t even pay $3/month for Driver+ and Nav. Both are very behind.
But, I’d gladly pay $10-$15/month for hotspot and some video streaming app access.

 

[CsquareRivn]

As a proud Rivian owner. I would like to see Rivian consider offering the free LTE Connectivity to customers who bought their vehicles before these changes take effect. This gesture would not only show appreciation for early adopters but also reinforce Rivian's commitment to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Here are a few reasons why I believe providing complimentary LTE Connectivity for earlier customers is worth considering:

1. Loyalty and Early Adoption: Many of us took a leap of faith in embracing Rivian's vision early on. Offering free LTE Connectivity would acknowledge and appreciate the loyalty of those who believed in Rivian from the outset.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience: A connected vehicle is a key aspect of the modern driving experience. Providing free LTE Connectivity would contribute to a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience, aligning with Rivian's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
3. Positive Community Impact: This gesture could have a positive ripple effect throughout the Rivian community, fostering a sense of unity and loyalty among owners.

 

[edman007]

Nav should be free, as long as the basics are free (nav and app), and then pay extra for stuff like music and hotspot. $100/year is fine for that

What I don't want is OnStar like stuff, $15/mo to use basic app features plus $15/mo for the SOS button and hotspot is pay by the GB on top of that. Just a money grab for basic features that cost nothing.

 

[Jblaze121]

Free for Launch Editions would be appropriate if you asked me.... ?

 

[Supratachophobia]

i get it. everyone has something that's a deal breaker for them. i will not be happy about paying $100 for LTE connectivity for navigation. i can do OTAs at home over wifi so i dont need it for that or really anything else, but if i have to pay in order to be able to use navigation, that wont be cool.

I'll look at this the same way I look at a Home Assistant cloud account. I'm supporting the company's bottom line, and receiving benefits at the same time. Rivian needs the latter right now.

 

[waitingonanr1s]

Kind of crazy that folks aren't willing to pay $10 per month for connectivity. It's not free to Rivian, so they need to charge. They've already eaten the loss on your vehicle. As a stockholder, I'm happy they're doing this. And most folks that drop $100k on a truck aren't going to bat an eye at $10 per month. I'm sure most of us pay that much for some random subscription we barely even use/forgot we had. I feel like I find some random recurring subscription to cancel every time I go through my credit card statement.

 

[waitingonanr1s]

As a proud Rivian owner. I would like to see Rivian consider offering the free LTE Connectivity to customers who bought their vehicles before these changes take effect. This gesture would not only show appreciation for early adopters but also reinforce Rivian's commitment to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Here are a few reasons why I believe providing complimentary LTE Connectivity for earlier customers is worth considering:

1. Loyalty and Early Adoption: Many of us took a leap of faith in embracing Rivian's vision early on. Offering free LTE Connectivity would acknowledge and appreciate the loyalty of those who believed in Rivian from the outset.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience: A connected vehicle is a key aspect of the modern driving experience. Providing free LTE Connectivity would contribute to a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience, aligning with Rivian's dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
3. Positive Community Impact: This gesture could have a positive ripple effect throughout the Rivian community, fostering a sense of unity and loyalty among owners.

They've already said they're not going to do that (since Day 1 they've been very clear). So I wouldn't even get your hopes up on any of that. It's common for manufacturers to pass through the recurring connectivity costs (which they pay). Seems more than fair to me.

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