Elon Confirms LTE coming--requires Hardware Upgrade

AnOutsider said:

Great to hear re: LTE. Sad Panda on "big update" being in a few months. In a few months the Model S would have been on the road (regardless how few) for over a year, and we'd be just getting something that should have arguably been there since launch. On the flip side, it's better to know (as much as one can "know" from an Elon tweet) than to be in the dark.

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As impatient as I am for new updates (it's addictive), I keep reminding myself "It's ready when it's ready" regarding software.

They obviously launched the Model S a little early to stop bleeding cash but things are finally in the more refined stage. Still lots of things missing but most of the false error messages, glitchy screens were eliminated (for me at least) after v4.2. Glad to hear they are finally commenting on LTE though.

Todd Burch said:

"(will be LTE later)" ... "Requires hardware unfortunately."

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So he did not confirm a hardware upgrade, despite the thread title. He confirmed (a) LTE availability at some point (unsurprising/expected) and (b) hardware requirement (obvious). A hardware upgrade option would be great, but they could update the assembly line going forward and not offer an upgrade. Hopefully they will, but that's not what he said--though perhaps he meant it.

Sorry if this sounds paranoid, but I feel like I see this a lot--vague Tesla comment, specific community interpretation, then different reality. So I don't want to presume too much based on a couple of vague tweets.

But I'll cross my fingers! ;-) Whether I'd upgrade depends on connectivity pricing, anyway.

It'd be nice if the hardware could be as easy as a USB dongle of some type ....

ahhhh wishful thinking.....

Could it be as simple as a processor and SIM card swap?

I hope this hardware upgrade is the type of thing said to be included with the annual service.

Of course it's also possible that the hardware upgrade isn't a retrofit, but simply a design change. Either for later Model S production or for the Model X. An upgrade would be nice, but I didn't buy the car predicated on getting LTE. I might feel quite different if I was a Signature purchaser.

AnOutsider said:

Messy and tacky IMO. Just go n and replace whatever module is in there. Not like the service centers don't have access.

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I dread trips to the SC not to mention tearing apart the center screen area....

GeekGirls said:

Of course it's also possible that the hardware upgrade isn't a retrofit, but simply a design change. .... I might feel quite different if I was a Signature purchaser.

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We're getting used to it. Happy about it? No. Used to it? Yes.

Signature is starting to feel like an "original reproduction" on "authentic paper" that has theoretical collector value, but isn't as good as a new reproduction on fresh paper.

GeekGirls said:

An upgrade would be nice, but I didn't buy the car predicated on getting LTE. I might feel quite different if I was a Signature purchaser.

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Well said and something all current MS owners need to remember.

I think that the real goal is to support tethering to whatever device you have either through the USB or WiFi. That's how I read Elon's comments as well as others I have heard.

Todd Burch said:

Not following how the thread title doesn't reflect the content. He confirmed that a hardware upgrade is required to support LTE.

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He said he requires hardware...not that a hardware upgrade would be offered to existing owners. Perhaps I misinterpreted your title--apologies, if so! To me, "upgrade" means something changed in something that exists, i.e., an upgrade to existing Model S cars on the road. Again, sorry if I misinterpreted you.