What's the difference between Tesla's Standard Connectivity and Premium Connectivity?

"Premium Connectivity" is a feature that many people looking for a secondhand Tesla are familiar with. So, what is Tesla Premium Connectivity all about exactly? What is the price of it? Which automobiles already have it onboard? In 2022, how has this changed?

Let's have a look at Tesla Premium Connectivity!

The Major Differences

Autopilot was incorporated in all of Tesla's Model S vehicles when they were originally created, but it has since been dropped in favor of more affordable automobiles from the company (like the Model 3). Tesla's approach to Premium Connectivity is one of the many things that has undergone significant evolution in recent years.

Changes in technology and the quantity of data required for features like as Traffic Visualization have forced Tesla to revise the connectivity pricing structure, which was formerly provided with every Tesla. There are two levels of connection now available on a Tesla: Standard and Premium.

Standard Connectivity:

• Video Streaming (WiFi Only)
• Caraoke (WiFi Only)
• Music Streaming (WiFi Only)
• Internet Browser (WiFi Only)
• Tesla Over-the-air (OTA) Updates
• Bluetooth Capability
• Navigation (WiFi + LTE)

The vast bulk of tesla Standard Connectivity's functions are only available over wifi. Tesla's Standard Connectivity essentially just offers navigation and OVA updates when your car is out of internet range. Of course, there is nothing to be concerned about; having your Tesla automatically update itself is a really wonderful function.

Premium Connectivity

The following features are included in tesla Premium Connectivity (in addition to those included in Standard):

• Live Traffic Visualization
• Satellite-View Maps
• Video Streaming (WiFi + LTE)
• Caraoke (WiFi + LTE)
• Music Streaming (WiFi + LTE)
• Internet Browser (WiFi + LTE)

Tesla Standard Connectivity misses two more features: Live Traffic Visualization and Satellite-View Maps. Premium Connectivity provides them. Having these two handy gadgets on your everyday commute and during road trips is a great idea.

The Premium Connectivity allows access to most functionalities over AT&T's cellular network (LTE). Like a smartphone data plan, tesla Premium Connectivity costs are being charged for data access on your Tesla. As long as you have a strong network signal, you can use compatible video and audio apps almost everywhere. Obviously, subscriptions to film and music streaming apps are still your responsibility, not Tesla's.

Tesla cars are constantly updated to enhance operation, add amenities, and even include games (Source)

How Much Does Premium Connectivity from Tesla Cost?

Tesla's Premium Connectivity membership costs $9.99 per month (this does not include applicable taxes).

You may subscribe to Premium Connectivity on your Tesla account, which gives you access to additional features. Simply open the Tesla app, click to Upgrades > Subscribe to pick Premium Connectivity, and make your transaction if you've already paid Tesla upgrades (such as the Model 3 acceleration boost). Many times, this may be done using the vehicle's touchscreen; to purchase a Premium Connectivity subscription, you can navigate to Controls > Upgrades on the touchscreen.

Alternatively, there is a $99-a-year subscription option (with no pro-rated refunds or any refunds at all, really). Buying a year at once will save you some money, so this is a good alternative.

• You may purchase a Premium Connectivity membership using the Tesla app by going to Upgrades > Subscribe and selecting the option.
• Visit Controls > Upgrades and select Premium Connectivity from the drop-down menu

Can Premium Tesla Connectivity Be Canceled?

Yes. For $9.99/month, you may cancel Tesla Premium Connectivity by logging into your Tesla account and clicking the "Cancel" button. The days you would have had left on your subscription will not be reimbursed if you cancel while in the middle of a payment cycle. However, for just $9.99, this isn't a major concern. The Premium Connectivity features won't be removed even if you cancel; you'll still have access to them until the conclusion of the monthly cycle. After then, it's back to the old-fashioned way of doing things.

How Do You Know If Your Tesla Has Premium Connectivity?

In the “Software” part of your on-screen menu system, look for “Premium Connectivity” with an expiration date in the center of the screen.

Final Thoughts.

It's nice-to-have premium connectivity but not a deal-breaker. Why? You may subscribe on your own for $9.99/month. It is not comparable to a used Tesla with Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or Full-Self Driving (FSD), which are worth much more.