Peter VIP

I do receive 3G service, though I'll have to check whether my area switched 3G bands.

I ended up getting a T-Mobile data only plan: 2GB - $20 / month. They discounted it to $10 / month since I have other T-Mo lines.

Google Earth is working properly, and Audi Connect services in the MMI do function.

snagitseven

This is not hard. If you're getting 3G, T-Mo has not switched 3G frequencies yet in your area. If you were in one of the areas affeected, all you would get is 2G since the old modem (MY2012/2013) will not recognize the new 3G frequency. If you have a MY2014//2015, you already have the new modem which can use the newer 3G.

Marc Palatine

can i use a tmobile sim card if my modem is still a 2g modem since it hasn't been updated in my 2013 prestige?

thanks.

snagitseven

Ok, I'll try to summarize...

All MY2012/2013 MMI Nav Plus A6 come with a T-Mobile 2G/3G modem (AT&T will also work but only in 2G).
In selected areas, T-Mobile has switched to a newer 3G frequency, If you live in one of those area you will only get 2G speeds. If you live in one of those areas only, Audi will update your modem which will allow all T-Mobile and AT&&T 2G and 3G speeds.
MY2014/2015 already have the newer modems for 2G/3G T-Mo or AT&T.

T-Mo Sims are supplied by the dealer with new car purchase. If you want to use another sim, it will work depending on the carrier and their plan. With T-Mo, some of their sims may work in the car, some will not depending on the plan attached to the sim. If you already have an AT&T plan with your phone, they offer a $10 month family plan which can work at speeds described above. Alternatives are US Mobile, Truphone and others which use the 3G T-Mo or AT&T networks. These sims work without any fanfare and are pay as you go/as you need without commitments.

1st Time Audi

So in my initial activation, I was given a customer sat credit of $10, which allowed me to have 2gb/month for 4 months. At the expiration, the account was still active, but for some reason, it was looking for me to add more money, and the 200 MB wasn't working. I went to t-mobile for help and they gave me a new card which now doesn't even show a connection to t-mobile in the car. In trying to make sure it wasn't my car, I paid for Audi Connect, and that worked. I'm going to restart my efforts in getting that restarted. I think it's my settings for t-mobile. My prepaid SIM also offered 4gb for 4 months or something for $10. I paid for that, so I know that should be a good active SIM with money.

A lot of rambling since I'm sick, but I'll provide an update in the next few weeks. Car is in the shop for various work, which is more drama than necessary, which also doesn't let me test.

Marc Palatine

Just my input on getting the dealer to update my software. Went in there and told him wifes phone wasn't connecting to bluetooth. He gave me the run around about how some phones that are windows just wont connect and that is just how it is. Was very hesitant to update my software despite being in warranty. Then I told him I hear some popping in the speakers and that did the trick. Car went in and got updated to 0814.

Ordered a US Mobile sim card and got it working last night too. Unfortunately ,the dealer didn't update my actual modem hardware so it's painfully slow at 2G, but honestly, I don't know how much i'll use it since my galaxy s7 edge is so much easier! Just kind of neat to have the option I suppose.

One note for anyone setting it up - there are two places to set up the data in the mmi. Do it in the main connection settings - there is a second one lower down in the menu for auto configuration and that kept hanging me up. Anyway, I finally just used the main connection settings and entered in pwg (lowercase), a blank space for username, and nothing for password and it finally fired up.

I did 500mb for $9.00. Seems like plenty to me unless i'm using google maps a ton, which I don't foresee.

Now I have to figure out how to get the dealer to upgrade me the faster modem. And maybe find out how to update the maps...

hotlips

My Audi Connect expires in May so I talked to Audi Connect Support. I was told that T-Mobile is unlimited data whereas AT&T is limited and when you reach ??? (forgot #mbs) you have to pay for a new plan, i.e. reload data.

Seems to me, if I reup I'll stay with T-Mobile. Btw the T-Moblile plan I have is grandfathered for the unlimited data and I believe she mentioned all but 2016 models are as well.

snagitseven

I guess you're planning on keeping the car for at least another 2 1/2 years for the T-Mo $450 prepaid 30 month plan to work out. Otherwise, subscribing to T-Mo will cost $30 per month. Unless you use the wifi hot spot and Google Earth full time outside your area, $30 is too much and if not, unlimited data doesn't help since usage would be low. I prefer to spend under $10 each month with US Mobile vs. a 30 month contract and $450 up front. Same T-Mobile network.

Fithian

For $199, there is an additional year of T-Mobile available. That is $16 a month.

I have ATT on my A6. The cost is $20/month for 1GB and then it shuts off. For more data, you need to reset the $20/month plan.

snagitseven

IMO $199 for a year is still too much (i actually works out to $16.66 @ month and paid up front). I find a pay as you go $4.70 a month (or $7.70 if you want to frequently use Google Earth outside of your area) with US Mobile on the T-Mobile network more palatable.