[eldithomaso]

Just watched the newest Facebook post/video last night 8/15/2013 - female walk-around of the Q50 (with the tiny 17"s it looks like). Came a way quite disturbed.

If you carefully stop the video and read the fine print - 2nd set of captions - you will see that Infiniti Connection relies upon a 2G cell network. It also notes that 2G is going to cease with AT&T as of 12/31/2016. This is poor engineering if you ask me.

So................

What happens to our Google Search, Connected car, SOS button and apps as of then?

Was the system just designed for planned obsolescence? What, if anything, will Infiniti charge to upgrade it if we keep the car for more then 3 years?

 

[SteinyD]

Just watched the newest Facebook post/video last night 8/15/2013 - female walk-around of the Q50 (with the tiny 17"s it looks like). Came a way quite disturbed.

If you carefully stop the video and read the fine print - 2nd set of captions - you will see that Infiniti Connection relies upon a 2G cell network. It also notes that 2G is going to cease with AT&T as of 12/31/2016. This is poor engineering if you ask me.

So................

What happens to our Google Search, Connected car, SOS button and apps as of then?

Was the system just designed for planned obsolescence? What, if anything, will Infiniti charge to upgrade it if we keep the car for more then 3 years?

must be a misprint ??? I'd check before we get too excited.

 

[CarolinaQ50]

Just watched the newest Facebook post/video last night 8/15/2013 - female walk-around of the Q50 (with the tiny 17"s it looks like). Came a way quite disturbed.

If you carefully stop the video and read the fine print - 2nd set of captions - you will see that Infiniti Connection relies upon a 2G cell network. It also notes that 2G is going to cease with AT&T as of 12/31/2016. This is poor engineering if you ask me.

So................

What happens to our Google Search, Connected car, SOS button and apps as of then?

Was the system just designed for planned obsolescence? What, if anything, will Infiniti charge to upgrade it if we keep the car for more then 3 years?

I didn't take the time to read that in the video, but did see the attached article last year relating to AT&T Ending 2G Network by 2017.

AT&T Ending 2G Network by 2017 - WSJ.com

If there is a 2G Network used by Infiniti, having this information confirmed would really bother me.

 

[SteinyD]

i can't believe that Infiniti would use 2G in a new vehicle. That is a couple generations behind. There must be a mistake from an Infiniti perspective in their marketing.

 

[Skyline G35]

I guess it will be time to upgrade in 2016 for the NEW Q50 that supports LTE or what ever the current data connection is.

OR.... hope that Infinti will swap out the current units to the newer LTE units, because as we all know it's a hardware ( in this case LTE chipset) that will work with 4G/LTE!!!!!

 

[CarolinaQ50]

I also think that GM's Onstar is currently running on 2G and 3G, and for 2014 GM is going to be adding 4G LTE from AT&T.

So if GM is starting in 2014, I would hope that Infiniti is planning or has made plans for this as soon as possible.

 

[klimchuk]

It's standalone module in car. It could be replaced with 3G/4G version.

 

[CarolinaQ50]

It's standalone module in car. It could be replaced with 3G/4G version.

And who will be paying for this?

 

[Coryn]

i can't believe that Infiniti would use 2G in a new vehicle. That is a couple generations behind. There must be a mistake from an Infiniti perspective in their marketing.

It doesn't seem to be a mistake. From their Q50 Disclaimer page:
Q50

Driving is serious business. Only use Infiniti ConnectionTM and Infiniti Connection Plus services when safe to do so. Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Connection Plus services require compatible 2G GSM/GPRS cellular network provided by AT&T. 2G cellular network not available in all areas and/or available at all times. Cellular technology is evolving, and changes to cellular networks provided by independent companies are not within Infiniti’s control. AT&T has announced that on December 31, 2016, AT&T will terminate 2G network availability. Once the 2G network is terminated, Infiniti Connection and Infiniti Connection Plus services will not function unless equipment replacements, upgrades, or alternative 2G network coverage are available at that time, which Infiniti cannot guarantee. Infiniti not responsible for associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to cellular network termination (including equipment upgrades or roaming charges on alternative networks, if available). Certain vehicle services, including Google compatible services, provided by independent companies not within Infiniti’s control and are subject to change without notice or liability to Infiniti and its affiliates and agents. Subscription Agreement required to enroll. Initial 12 months, beginning on your date of purchase, included complimentary. Subsequently, your credit card (if on file) will be charged at the then current subscription rate and your service will continue for 1 year periods under the terms of your Subscription Agreement, or until 2G coverage is terminated on December 31, 2016 (if equipment upgrades or roaming charges are not available by that date). Terms and conditions of Subscription Agreement apply."​

And who will be paying for this?

According to the above, it looks like we will be paying for it.

 

[maddsiick]

Yeah this is via the TCU module in the car, this can easily be swapped out when an upgrade is needed. Still weird though that they would use a 2G chip. That's ridiculous if we would have to pay for this upgrade down the line.

 

[ikagan]

This is why I laugh when someone tells me that they intend to keep their high tech car
for 10 years... LEASE!

 

[cvipgo]

The Infiniti warranty is for four years, and I am sure Infiniti knows it , I think Infiniti will replace the module if need be during warranty period.

 

[klimchuk]

And who will be paying for this?

I'm not Nostradamus to say for sure what will happen in 2016 but I suspect even Infiniti could possible pay for that.

 

[Q50Aggie]

Good thing my lease is up in November 2016!!! Hahahaha!

 

[klimchuk]

Good thing my lease is up in November 2016!!! Hahahaha!

Mine too cheers ;-)

 

[NissLover]

I am sure they figure most people will be trading the car in by then and the second owner of the car will probably not subscribe to the feature anyway.

 

[JasonH]

The Infiniti warranty is for four years, and I am sure Infiniti knows it , I think Infiniti will replace the module if need be during warranty period.

Connection is a pay for feature.. you only get it free for one year.. so I would imagine your warranty has nothing to do with upgrading an optional service..

 

[Coryn]

Especially when the terms of service specifically state that:

"Infiniti not responsible for associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to cellular network termination (including equipment upgrades or roaming charges on alternative networks, if available)."

 

[Latrant]

This is short sighted on Infiniti's part. My current car is almost 9 years old and I plan on eventually buying a Q50 but not if I keep reading these things. Maybe I'll save for a Tesla instead!

 

[Gandhi]

This is why I laugh when someone tells me that they intend to keep their high tech car
for 10 years... LEASE!

I laugh and shake my head every time I hear someone say they are leasing. But whatever.