Has the Wi-Fi hotspot been eliminated from all models going forward?

[pkmed]

There are 2 modems in the Bronco Sport. One is for the Connected Services. This is what allows you to remote unlock the doors and remote start, flash lights, etc. That is what the Fordpass app uses. The other one is for the Wi-Fi. You need to sign up with AT&T and you also need to complete some vehicle settings. AT&T will assign you a virtual phone number to manage the account through AT&T.

If you can't get the Pass app to work (unsurprising), just do it on the website.
https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/wi-fi-hotspot/

You need to use settings to enable the Wi-Fi and give it an SSID and a password, like *******
https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/wi-fi-hotspot/how-do-i-enable-the-fordpass-connect-wi-fi-hotspot/

Connect a device:
https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/fordpass/wi-fi-hotspot/how-do-i-connect-a-device-to-the-wi-fi-hotspot/

Honestly, it's not worth it unless you have a bunch of spare money to throw at data plans you don't intend to consume. It is locked the the vehicle so you can't use it in a restaurant or store. Your phone plan already has data. It can't make calls. It isn't cheap as data plans go. Maybe if you had no phone and wanted to use the Pandora on the radio? Then it's still more money than the SiriusXM. Honestly not many reasons to use it. It's worth maybe $5 a month, but they'll never sell it that cheap.

Thank you for the links! One of them had some info I was searching for so I appreciate the response. I agree it is most likely not worth the money. For me, it's more dependent on if it will be used for road trips or commuting working on homework. We'll see if it's actually used, sort of why I like the idea of a free trial. Also, just one of those things that I want to know...haha.

Edit: Should clarify I won't be using the wifi for homework while road tripping or commuting, thats for the other familial companions...then again maybe they won't either, we'll see, might be nice to have and might be like the stack of stuff in my garage that MUST be had but is only used twice a year.

 

[pkmed]

I logged into my account on Ford's website, scrolled down to see that the wifi hotspot was listed, and then noticed there was a SYNC update available. I downloaded the update to a USB and updated the system in my BS. It didn't do anything for the wifi hotspot. So I then spent another 30 mins on the phone with Ford a bit ago. This rep looked further into the issue and again identified that the wifi hotspot capabilities are there and that I had an active trial. She had me reset the screen module, click through different menus, etc. She then forwarded the issue to some dept at Ford (don't remember specifically who) who are supposed to contact me with other things to try. If those don't work, it may have to go to the dealer for further investigation. I also told her that there are others with the 2023 BS that are probably having the same issue. She advised that they should also contact them because the higher volume of people with the same issue, the more likely it is they'll send out an advisory notice with a rapid fix. If so inclined, here is the number I called: 800-392-3673. When prompted to give a description of problem by the robot, I just said 'wifi hotspot' and was connected to a rep. Alas, the saga continues....

 

[Dude]

I logged into my account on Ford's website … I also told her that there are others with the 2023 BS that are probably having the same issue.

Yes it is not surprising that 2023s have issues with various Ford features and I think it may have to do with valid 2023 VIN numbers in Ford’s databases.

While the issue with AT&T Hotspot for 2023s (that do contain the Hotspot modem) is different from the issue I had with my 2022 Badlands and the Navigation Maps NA 2 21 Update, the root cause could be somewhat related. Earlier on this thread I posted the phone numbers for the Ford’s
Connected Services Team (Ford C&S) and for an IVT Research Escalation Specialist - the issue I had in September ‘22 was the 2022 VINs were not updated in Ford’s database thus not allowing the Navigation Maps update to work. It took Ford about 2 months to correct the issues with 2022 VINs in their database.

perhaps it’s a similar problem with 2023 VINs which have the Hotspot modem installed but FordPass App is not allowing the Hotspot to be set up for 2023s. Suggest you get your issue elevated to one of the specialists (I listed one guy I worked with in my earlier post) but you’ll need to keep on top of them until the AT&T free trial is enabled and is working in your 2023. Good luck!!

(of course then I predict most people won’t continue past the free AT&T trial since it’s typically hard to justify the added monthly cost for many people)

 

[pkmed]

Earlier on this thread I posted the phone numbers for the Ford’s
Connected Services Team (Ford C&S) and for an IVT Research Escalation Specialist - the issue I had in September ‘22 was the 2022 VINs were not updated in Ford’s database thus not allowing the Navigation Maps update to work. It took Ford about 2 months to correct the issues with 2022 VINs in their database.

Now that you mention it, I do remember reading your post. I mistakenly didn't correlate the two when reading it quickly and for some reason thought the SYNC 3 contact number wasn't directly Ford. Totally understand what you're saying now. I will try giving them a call if I don't get anywhere on my current path. Thank you for that info. You definitely could be right about the VINs in the database.

 

[Dude]

Now that you mention it, I do remember reading your post. I mistakenly didn't correlate the two when reading it quickly and for some reason thought the SYNC 3 contact number wasn't directly Ford. Totally understand what you're saying now. I will try giving them a call if I don't get anywhere on my current path. Thank you for that info. You definitely could be right about the VINs in the database.

Correct, it is a Ford phone number and is for software support and I’ve seen the same phone number listed for a number of different software issues whether related to SYNC3 or non-SYNC3 software issues ... and you are correct that I do not know if that same number is also for the FordPass and AT&T Hotspot issues that some owners of 2023 Bronco Sports are having. (You might also get the runaround where Ford blames AT&T and AT&T blames Ford).

The specific hotspot issue you and a few others are having does seem to relate to 2023 MY and maybe also relates to the (AT&T) WI-FI HOTSPOT REMOVAL UPDATE even when the 2023 is built with the hotspot modem included.

I doubt a dealership service department will solve the issue that’s why I recommended contacting the phone number I provided.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hi everyone! Due to the global semiconductor shortage, 2023 model year Bronco Sport SUVs are not available with the 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot.

 

[LazyDirtFarmer]

Hi everyone! Due to the global semiconductor shortage, 2023 model year Bronco Sport SUVs are not available with the 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot.

Well... That certainly clears it all up; More decontenting

 

[pkmed]

Hi everyone! Due to the global semiconductor shortage, 2023 model year Bronco Sport SUVs are not available with the 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot.

Thanks for the info. Ford might want to tell their customer service reps and AT&T. All 3 reps that I spoke to were incredibly kind and tried to help. As was AT&T. Wasted everyone's time. Maybe a bulletin needs to go out ASAP...

 

[Scottie137]

Super weird that ATT activated my free 3 month trial after entering the VIN for my 2023 Badlands, apparently with no actual hotspot!?

 

[jason202]

Thanks for the info. Ford might want to tell their customer service reps and AT&T. All 3 reps that I spoke to were incredibly kind and tried to help. As was AT&T. Wasted everyone's time. Maybe a bulletin needs to go out ASAP...

Agreed, it's confusing at best and downright deceptive at worst, considering it was listed as standard equipment in the order guide when I ordered my Bronco Sport, and the "4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Credit" is definitely NOT listed ANYWHERE on my window sticker. So again, it's by no means a deal breaker, but I feel like I've paid for a feature that I did not receive, nor was I credited for its omission. Not a good look for Ford.

 

[Dude]

Agreed, it's confusing at best and downright deceptive at worst, considering it was listed as standard equipment in the order guide when I ordered my Bronco Sport, and the "4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Credit" is definitely NOT listed ANYWHERE on my window sticker. So again, it's by no means a deal breaker, but I feel like I've paid for a feature that I did not receive, nor was I credited for its omission. Not a good look for Ford.

I know it’s just $20 but did you tell that to Ford to get an explanation?

Btw I saw Fords post earlier but I’m not 100% convinced that 0 2023 bronco sports will be built (or already built) without the AT&T hotspot modem.

 

[jason202]

I know it’s just $20 but did you tell that to Ford to get an explanation?

Btw I saw Fords post earlier but I’m not 100% convinced that 0 2023 bronco sports will be built (or already built) without the AT&T hotspot modem.

I will be discussing it with them for sure.

 

[Winds of Change]

Can I return my vehicle since it was falsely advertised and I did not get the credit either? I only drove it home and it's been parked since

 

[Glamdring70]

Even more importantly can the module be provided, when available, and plug-and-play added to a vehicle. Since the order system let you choose a credit, the harness ought to be there, no?

What does your 2023 Monroney say, owners? The 4G is spelled out on my '21.

 

[Dude]

Even more importantly can the module be provided, when available, and plug-and-play added to a vehicle. Since the order system let you choose a credit, the harness ought to be there, no?

What does your 2023 Monroney say, owners? The 4G is spelled out on my '21.

Ford stated the module cannot be upgraded later so no 4G AT&T hotspot but you can always use the hotspot on your cell phone if you have it.