Uconnect and Sprint 3G Network Decomission

[jrragni]

Today I get an email form Uconnect, telling me that my 2017 RAM 2500 has a Sprint 3G CDMA wireless technology and that since Sprint is decommissioning their 3G networks, I will no longer have Uconnect services after the end of the year. Oh and "We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause". A call to Uconnect was useless. They have no solution going forward. Really???

FCA built $60K plus vehicles and were so short sighted that they put radios in a vehicle that cannot be updated. i.e. you can't change a sim card. Not to mention that the technology was already on it's way out when the vehicle was built.

I'm not in love with Uconnect, but there are some features I use. Like remote unlock, finding services like gas stations and restaurants when I'm traveling. Also looks like text to speech isn't going to work either. A true safety feature.

Has anyone heard about this before? I'm hoping there is some clout in this Forum that can turn up the volume to the FCA brass to get this fixed! Oh and at minimal costs to customers. We shouldn't be saddled with their extreem short sightedness.

Rant done! Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[lpennock]

Hardware issue. The modem for sprint 3g is EVDO. 4G are all LTE now. The hardware are not compatible between the two. Only option would be a complete radio swap out.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Yup, no simple updates to be had to fix that, so you can be absolutely sure that RAM won't do anything about it.
If your radio has carplay or android auto, those will be the only thing close to a replacement.

And, yes, way back when I bought my 2015, I knew a 3G wireless connection wouldn't be worth even fooling with.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Oh, by the way, it's not FCA anymore, it's Stellantis...

 

[SSchang]

Went through the same thing with the wife's 2016 BMW 535. Sorry for any inconvenience.

 

[Kirwin]

I just renewed my Uconnect and they sent me a dongle that plugs into my OBD port to give me a Wi Fi hot spot on 4G. I have the 8.4 radio. I haven't done it yet but its on tap for this weekend. I think this is replacing the 3G Sprint (that I never used) set up. Cheaper too. $9.99/month with 20 GB data included.

 

[jrragni]

I just renewed my Uconnect and they sent me a dongle that plugs into my OBD port to give me a Wi Fi hot spot on 4G. I have the 8.4 radio. I haven't done it yet but its on tap for this weekend. I think this is replacing the 3G Sprint (that I never used) set up. Cheaper too. $9.99/month with 20 GB data included.

So I'm curious. Can you report back with what works and what doesn't once you install? i.e. remote unlock and vehicle theft locator etc.

Or is this only for data. Not something I need by the way.

Thank you.

 

[Kirwin]

So if your talking the basic Uconnect service, yes, it unlocks, locks, remote starts, and sends you a email if your alarm is tripped. As long as it has a cell connection. The dongle just allows 4G on the older radios I believe that came with 3G service. I’ll update what I find out this weekend.

 

[CDS1]

https://obd-guide.cloud.sdp.prod.iot.sprint.com/#/home

Try this link I found. Info on how to purchase one, might just let it go....

 

[JLandry]

I presume this 4G T-Mobile dongle thingie can’t be used in combination with something that’s already using the OBDII port such as an Edge Insight engine monitor. If so, that's a show stopper here.

John L.

 

[CBari]

I presume this 4G T-Mobile dongle thingie can’t be used in combination with something that’s already using the OBDII port such as an Edge Insight engine monitor. If so, that's a show stopper here.

John L.

John, they make spliters Amazon product ASIN B071L8W7Q7

 

[JLandry]

John, they make spliters

Now you tell me! I just traded in my truck to get 4G Uconnect.

Just kidding.

Thank you,

John L.

 

[RSarvie]

Anyone find anymore info on this? 2016 Ram 2500. Only thing my account says I can purchase is a 3G WiFi hotspot, no remote start, vehicle locator, etc anymore even available to purchase. Did the adapter work for those functions?

 

[jrragni]

When my current plan ran out, I checked on line and didn't see anything about a subscription with the new dongle. I contacted Uconnect by phone and they gave me the new plan details including the dongle. I decided to try the new 4G dongle. Once you sign up for for the new plan you have 14 days to cancel. Since I already have a Banks DataMonster plugged into the OBDII port there was a concern because they indicate nothing else should be plugged in while using the 4G dongle. I purchased a Banks splitter cable at the same time to give it a try. I know there are cheaper cables on Amazon, but I figured I had a better chance with Banks quality.

Once installed, it all seems to work. Only problem is with the 4G dongle under the dash, the signal isn't as robust. The "signal" light on the dongle is yellow (weak signal) in many locations. My home being one of these. In these weak signal locations the lock/unlock and horn features all work, but sporadically some times. I don't have remote start.

So in the end, it seems to work.

 

[Learjet]

it should have a remote antenna option...something you could put on the dash by the windshield.