Swapping cell provider on built-in hotspot?
1 - 20 of 40 Posts
I'd be curious about this as well. I had an issue where AT&T couldn't set up my wifi because Toyota had registered my VIN to another car or some such thing. I got it sorted out, but in talking with Toyota, they made it sound like all of the connected services are run through AT&T (SOS, destination assistance, remote connect app). I wonder if switching it out of AT&T system would impact that stuff?
Did anyone find the SIM card?
Joined
·
243 Posts
Has anyone actually signed-up for the wi-fi connect on this thread? From the US Sienna brochure this is in the footnotes:
"20. Wi-Fi Connect is available on select 2018 and newer Toyota vehicles. Visit toyota.com for vehicle availability. Verizon Wireless is the network provider for Wi-Fi Connect, which uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage and charges apply. Coverage not available everywhere; see vzw.com. See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details."
I think the default provider might be AT&T in Canada? I have Verizon in my current 2019 Avalon, my Sienna does not arrive until the end of April.
"20. Wi-Fi Connect is available on select 2018 and newer Toyota vehicles. Visit toyota.com for vehicle availability. Verizon Wireless is the network provider for Wi-Fi Connect, which uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage and charges apply. Coverage not available everywhere; see vzw.com. See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details."
I think the default provider might be AT&T in Canada? I have Verizon in my current 2019 Avalon, my Sienna does not arrive until the end of April.
Joined
·
243 Posts
I guess the 2021 Sienna brochure on US www.toyota.com is incorrect then! It is possible that it is a regional thing too. As I said, I don't have my Sienna yet to speak with any authority, but the brochure and Toyota website being at odds is unusual.
If you go to the vehicle specs and click on "Connected Services", this is part of what it says:
Connected by AT&T
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi speeds on the AT&T wireless network.
- Easily connect up to five (5) devices.
Available on select 2020 and later Toyota vehicles.
The Toyota Connected Services Table for 2021 says the WiFi is through AT&T
MY21_Connected_Services_Table (toyota.com)
Joined
·
243 Posts
So did a little digging, while Verizon is referenced in the 2021 Sienna brochure, and was the historical provider for my 2019 Avalon, the website indicates it is AT&T once you drill down, for 2020 and newer models.
2021 Sienna E-Brochure from www.toyota.com
Joined
·
3,816 Posts
I don't you'll find a SIM. In markets where Toyota installs WiFi that can be switched among providers, the SIM slot is an easily accessible place (e.g. glove compartment) and there are instructions in the owners manual on how to change it.
Joined
·
243 Posts
I have a possible thought, since Toyota did have a prior relationship with Verizon, and I recalled having to read off an IMEI code and other information off a sub-menu in the infotainment system on my 2019 Avalon to get connected, you might be able to talk to Verizon's connected car group and give them similar info and get it connected - but it is a long-shot.
I searched the owner's manual and infotainment system manuals for the 2021 Sienna I downloaded and there is no reference to "SIM" anywhere.
The Verizon hotspot is currently billing at a flat $20/month for unlimited on my Avalon, but it is pretty slow at only 3-5 MBS download - so it is probably throttled.
AT&T plan is similar at 25/mo for unlimited data (or $200/yr) at normal 4G speeds. They will deprioritize you after you hit 22gb of data IF the network is congested when you are trying to use it. I used 46gb of data last month and we never had a problem streaming YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+ at any time in the car.
Joined
·
243 Posts
Good to know, and good info share! AT&T is my regular service provider and I have a cellular router in my RV in a rural area, and chew through upwards of almost a 100GB a month over 4 weekends some months and only had them throttle me a couple of times (predictable peak times), but my speeds have been higher than the Verizon connected on my Avalon, so might have something to look forward to on the Sienna with AT&T. I will miss Verizon a little, as there are some two-lane State roads here in FL far away from interstate corridors that have a few dead spots for AT&T - but they are minor.
I've noticed a few dead zones for Verizon as well up in Marion and Putnam Counties northeast of Ocala as you make your way towards st Augustine/Jacksonville, if you go the back way using county roads. Never experienced any drops along 75 north or 10 west at all. Have yet to head south of us in the sienna tho (I'm just north of Tampa in Wesley Chapel).
Joined
·
243 Posts
Think that is the reality of all the cell providers - they all have certain areas they are good in, and others where they have dead spots and poor performance. Most all the carriers do well on interstate corridors and major 4-lane State roads. The AT&T dead spots have been off FL State Roads 66 and 70 in deSoto and Highlands counties, but they are really short segments - not really an inconvenience. We just have gotten spoiled with streaming music services LOL. We love visiting St Augustine, so we likely travel the same routes via Ocala.
L
Looked through the owners manual but was unable to find anything, what might the instructions be under? Thanks
2018 article about Toyota's eSIM supplier - if that's the case, swaps are out, and the eSIM is probably carrier locked
1 - 20 of 40 Posts
