Older Tesla Model S vehicles lose their cellular connectivity as AT&T's 3G network shuts down

As mobile providers around the world invest millions of dollars in their blazing-fast 5G networks, the shutdown of outdated 3G networks becomes inevitable as valuable frequency bands need to to reallocated to these new and much faster cellular standards. However, this move will also disconnect certain older Tesla vehicles which will be put offline with no cellular connectivity.

According to a report by Electrek, early Tesla Model S units which have been produced prior to June 2015 are equipped with a now obsolete 3G modem and will therefore lose their cellular connectivity as AT&T has begun to shut down its 3G network yesterday. Owners of these affected vehicles have already been notified by Tesla that they won't be able to remotely control their climate, locks and charge settings unless they schedule their Model S for a US$200 4G LTE modem upgrade.

The affected Tesla Model S cars will also be unable to get navigation, traffic and regular over-the-air software updates. Functions like online music streaming and remote diagnostic support will also be disabled. Tesla owners who opt no to upgrade their electric sedan with the 4G LTE modem may use their smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot in order to keep their Model S online for the time being.

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