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Unless it's dirt cheap, I'd prefer to just stick a SIM card in it. I can add one to my existing data plan for $10 a month. Hard to beat...
Not sure it'll have a SIM slot, but if you get a cheap phone with tethering and leave it plugged in somewhere: score.
I THINK there may be a free portion for basic data functionality like iPhone app control etc, though that may get optioned into a package as well.
How does Nissan do it?
Like a smart phone, yes.I gather that a Connectivity package would be a hardware option that permits the car to access the Internet like a cell phone?
We all seem to be assuming so. There's some speculation that a basic package may be included in a top of the line spec car (e.g. Sig) but Tesla hasn't said anything on that AFAIK.To use this capability it is likely that we will have to purchase a data plan from our cell phone provider even if we have one for our phones?
One of the applications, yes. However, using a smartphone to communicate with the car might only require a basic connection such as a GSM chip. We don't know details yet.The main application would be the ability to use a smartphone to communicate with the Model S?
No, the turn-by-turn nav is available as part of the tech package. Nothing has been said about map updates yet.Would this connectivity be necessary to use the turn-by-turn navigation system, either while obtaining real-time directions or to receive periodic updates of the maps?
Correct.Without this connectivity package and additional data plan accessing the Internet websites on the 17" infotainment screen would not be possible, nor receiving Internet radio stations?
Correct.I assume that even without the connectivity package we could still connect mobile devices via the USB ports to play songs on iPods, etc?
I don't think anyone knows that yet. But there are all sorts of Apps available which can apparently work on the touchscreen, so it's likely that something will be available but who knows whether it will be from Tesla or how exactly that might work.Are there any other potential features that the connectivity package might support, such as an OnStar like system, etc?
Hi Larry, I'll try to answer your questions and maybe others can chime in....
One of the applications, yes. However, using a smartphone to communicate with the car might only require a basic connection such as a GSM chip. We don't know details yet.
If you get the "tech" package then you'll have turn-by-turn with or without Internet connectivity. To get Spotify and other Internet radio or to surf the web, you'd need a cellular broadband package.
I don't see it as really necessary and I doubt I'll be keeping it past the trial period, but you never know.
See:What is a GSM chip?
Not sure exactly which you are asking, but the software includes a browser. And the car is cellular 4G data and WiFi capable.Sorry if this question has been asked before. How does model s get internet access for its browser?