Tesla to offer Premium Connectivity In-Car Internet

Back in 2014, Elon Musk’s car company noted that its cars’ internet connections would be live for four years, free of charge. At the time, it offered this clarification: “To further enhance the driver experience, new Model S customers will now receive free data connectivity and Internet radio for four years. As an added benefit to our existing Model S customers, the free four-year period starts on January 1, 2014. To be fair to all, in rare cases a customer may be charged for extreme data use.”

Four years later, Tesla is making good on its promise. Luckily, most Tesla owners won’t ever have to pay to use the internet in their vehicles. If you already own a Tesla or are planning to order a Model S, Model X, or Model 3 before July 1, you’ll never have to pay in order to access internet in the way it’s currently being offered in Tesla cars. However, if  you buy a Tesla after July 1, you’ll be given two choices — either the Premium Connectivity package or the Standard Connectivity package.

The Standard package comes free of charge, but will only be able to be used for apps that don’t require much data. For example, while you’ll still be able to use Tesla’s navigation system, you won’t have access to satellite maps or live traffic data. While the routing system will still utilize the live data to get you from Point A to Point B, you won’t be able to see traffic density in various colors on the central console. And if you’re looking to update your software, you’ll have to go through Wi-Fi when your car is connected to a network. However, if an update is safety-related, you’ll get it through an over-the-air update for immediacy’s sake.

If you opt for the Premium Connectivity package, you’ll still be able to see satellite maps and live traffic, as well as have access to in-car streaming music and media. In fact, the full internet browser will be made available to you with this package, which will likely cost somewhere near $100 per year. However, those who order a Model S or Model X on or after July 1 will get a free year of the Premium option, as will Model 3 cars with the premium interior.