Free LTE Connectivity to end this month

[srkz]

Click bait… “Through 2023” implies at least, not January 1st on the dot. They’ll charge eventually but nothing has been announced yet.

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[Ladiver]

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.

Exactly why I don’t buy into the subscription crap. It’s only $10 for this and $9.99 for that. It’s the same way your cable bill went from $39 to $200, but it was only another $10!

 

[waitingonanr1s]

Exactly why I don’t buy into the subscription crap. It’s only $10 for this and $9.99 for that. It’s the same way your cable bill went from $39 to $200, but it was only another $10!

I don't have cable and a $10/month is quite different from $200/month. I get subscriptions because I find value in them, sometimes value wanes with time, so you cancel them. It's also the reason I have all my statements come via paper - it's tangible trigger to sit down and review the bill. It sits on my counter until I open and review it.

Products have been moving this direction for a long time - I certainly don't discount something just because it's a subscription. To expect to receive an ongoing service that has a real cost to Rivian for free is just not a realistic expectation in my opinion.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

You can bet it will be something like Tesla. Rivian would never totally turn it off because they want the truck to phone home with telematics data and to be able to push OTA updates.

Tesla eventually gave their cars the ability to use WiFi while driving which allowed one to connect their vehicle to a mobile hotspot to get things like premium audio or Netflix.

Probably not going to happen in the next couple weeks since prices haven't been announced. Also, it would be a bad look to turn off data on all their vehicles right after the holidays.

 

[Tim-in-CA]

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

Yea, but hay and stable fees will cost more than $100/year!

 

[Tim-in-CA]

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.

This is what Tesla did

 

[SSteveEV]

...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?)

That's me! I'm the cynic that keeps saying that! Woohoo!

 

[SSteveEV]

I've also said it before but: if they charged $10/mo for a "no vampire drain" package I'd still come out ahead.

 

[KootenayEV]

That would only be punishing myself. If I had to drive a ginormous diesel that was slow as hell I would consider that a punishment. Unless I was on a road trip or towing something big.

I’d still consider that punishment - I hate smelling diesels.

 

[SANZC02]

This is what Tesla did

True, I’m one of the last, they ended the practice the end in 2016. I have free charging and free premium connectivity for life on my Model S.

Has not motivated me to purchase another Tesla though so not sure what it gets them. If anything, motivates me more to just keep it.

I’d pay the subscription on the Rivian just hope there is an annual option. I generally will not subscribe to things if there are only monthly options.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

I am going to be watching this very closely. I have said that I will not buy into a VAAS (vehicle as a service) subscription model. My Rivian must have all of the expected features of any vehicle, fee-free.

1. Music
2. Navigation
3. Phone connectivity

If I need LTE to access these features, then I better be able to use my cell phone to tether. If not, then the R1T will be replaced by a new truck.

Connectivity for OTA updates is something we all need...and something I'd be willing to pay for. Along with that comes OTA diagnostics...good that they can pull information to assist. A modest yearly charge is reasonable for the value just of these.

 

[Tim-in-CA]

I've also said it before but: if they charged $10/mo for a "no vampire drain" package I'd still come out ahead.

No shit. The amount of vampire drain is probably higher than that per month using California electricity rates!

 

[CrazyOne]

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.

No Bluetooth? I wouldn't have bought it.

 

[Trandall]

If LTE subscriptions comes with improved cup holders I'm in.... sorry wrong thread.
I hate subscriptions as much as the next guy, or thought I did until I read people are considering horse and buggy to avoid $10/month. It seems that if Rivian sweetens the deal with premium connectivity features like a native fully featured web browser that charging a yearly subscription around $100-120/ year is reasonable. My opinion they should also allow hot spot tethering to a mobile phone as an option.

 

[RivianPioneer]

That seems a bit extreme. So you would get rid of your Rivian if they charged you a fee of $100 a year or perhaps a bit more?

Unfortunately everyone charges and tethering is a crappy option in any car. There’s no where to run

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