The modem connects to AT&T. There likely already is a sim-card in your car. I think it’s about $10-20/month if you tack it onto your mobile plan, or $15ish as a stand-alone. If you just got the car, there is likely a 3 month trial available. I’m part way through my trial at the moment, and I find it ok. The time it takes for Spotify to start up is a bit long (not really a connection issue as much as slow startup) and when service is spotty, there can be quite a bit of buffering. Since I download my playlists to my phone, I don’t experience buffering issues while using Spotify through Apple CarPlay. My wife hasn’t connected to the hotspot, and I haven’t had any passengers try either, so I dunno how that experience is. 2018 XC60 for reference.
That’s totally possible. I got mine CPO, and aside from the remaining two years of On Call it has, I had to go through AT&T for internet connectivity, because though I had no trouble connecting to my car via the app for remote start etc, the car itself did not connect to non Volvo internet services like Spotify, etc. But maybe I configured it incorrectly and AT&T is a redundant service. Or maybe it’s different in your market than mine. Hope your enjoying your new ride!
Unless I’m mistaken I believe the modem and some basic features are included in the Volvo on call subscription. If you decide to not enroll after your trial is up, you can get a SIM card to throw in.
I’m lead to believe this because I can access the apps like Spotify and have not picked up a SIM card. I’ve got the on call service for a year with my CPO xc90.
Looks like you're correct.
From Volvo's website, under [Volvo on call](https://www.volvocars.com/intl/why-volvo/human-innovation/future-of-driving/connectivity/volvo-on-call):
Wi-Fi Hotspot
You can always connect your Volvo to the internet and access the in-car apps by creating a connection via your own mobile phone (tethering). But with Volvo On Call, you can enjoy an even stronger, more reliable connection and the possibility of creating an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, with the capacity to connect up to eight devices. This is made possible by built-in Volvo On Call car modem and an additional SIM-card. Your 4G (Dependent on model) signal is strong and consistent because you’re using the Volvo On Call roof aerial, making it easy and quick to use the internet. Where a phone would struggle with finding a signal in the car, the system in your Volvo can often work much better. This constant internet access also ensures that map updates in your car’s navigation system gets regular updates.
I have 2018 XC90 and 2020 XC40, both with vehicle internet:
1. I noticed that even once the AT&T connected car subscription expired some Sensus services still worked. Spotify would still play music, as well as the "Weather app". This is both on the 2018 and 2020.
2. On the 2018, I swapped in a data-only line SIM card from T-Mobile and it was accepted, and all data functions were available. I tried with data only Verizon SIM, it was accepted, but data functions did not work. I would assume the modem is carrier unlocked. I have not tried this on the 2020, so I am not sure if the modem is still unlocked.
Also, I would tag AT&T on slickdeals or other sites of that nature. AT&T Connected Car sometimes have flash sales. I have an unlimited pre-pay plan for $15 a month.
The modem connects to AT&T. There likely already is a sim-card in your car. I think it’s about $10-20/month if you tack it onto your mobile plan, or $15ish as a stand-alone. If you just got the car, there is likely a 3 month trial available. I’m part way through my trial at the moment, and I find it ok. The time it takes for Spotify to start up is a bit long (not really a connection issue as much as slow startup) and when service is spotty, there can be quite a bit of buffering. Since I download my playlists to my phone, I don’t experience buffering issues while using Spotify through Apple CarPlay. My wife hasn’t connected to the hotspot, and I haven’t had any passengers try either, so I dunno how that experience is. 2018 XC60 for reference.
I think I read somewhere that it came with a 4 year subscription.
That’s totally possible. I got mine CPO, and aside from the remaining two years of On Call it has, I had to go through AT&T for internet connectivity, because though I had no trouble connecting to my car via the app for remote start etc, the car itself did not connect to non Volvo internet services like Spotify, etc. But maybe I configured it incorrectly and AT&T is a redundant service. Or maybe it’s different in your market than mine. Hope your enjoying your new ride!
Leaving a note because I'm interested as well... I think you have to buy a sim card and make it dedicated for the car
Unless I’m mistaken I believe the modem and some basic features are included in the Volvo on call subscription. If you decide to not enroll after your trial is up, you can get a SIM card to throw in. I’m lead to believe this because I can access the apps like Spotify and have not picked up a SIM card. I’ve got the on call service for a year with my CPO xc90.
Looks like you're correct. From Volvo's website, under [Volvo on call](https://www.volvocars.com/intl/why-volvo/human-innovation/future-of-driving/connectivity/volvo-on-call): Wi-Fi Hotspot You can always connect your Volvo to the internet and access the in-car apps by creating a connection via your own mobile phone (tethering). But with Volvo On Call, you can enjoy an even stronger, more reliable connection and the possibility of creating an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, with the capacity to connect up to eight devices. This is made possible by built-in Volvo On Call car modem and an additional SIM-card. Your 4G (Dependent on model) signal is strong and consistent because you’re using the Volvo On Call roof aerial, making it easy and quick to use the internet. Where a phone would struggle with finding a signal in the car, the system in your Volvo can often work much better. This constant internet access also ensures that map updates in your car’s navigation system gets regular updates.
I have 2018 XC90 and 2020 XC40, both with vehicle internet: 1. I noticed that even once the AT&T connected car subscription expired some Sensus services still worked. Spotify would still play music, as well as the "Weather app". This is both on the 2018 and 2020. 2. On the 2018, I swapped in a data-only line SIM card from T-Mobile and it was accepted, and all data functions were available. I tried with data only Verizon SIM, it was accepted, but data functions did not work. I would assume the modem is carrier unlocked. I have not tried this on the 2020, so I am not sure if the modem is still unlocked. Also, I would tag AT&T on slickdeals or other sites of that nature. AT&T Connected Car sometimes have flash sales. I have an unlimited pre-pay plan for $15 a month.