[Smartomotive]

The Mahindra XUV700 comes with Vi network, while the MG ZS EV comes with Jio network, both built-in. Unfortunately, both networks have extremely poor coverage in many of the areas in outskirts of the city, causing issues with tracking the vehicle and utilizing the in-built features.

I reached out to the service centers to explore the possibility of changing the network, but both informed me that it couldn't be done.

I'm curious why there aren't any legal regulations that would allow us to switch providers. Similar to mobile number portability, there should be a provision for this. How can manufacturers enforce these networks on us, especially when they're not functioning well? If not porting, there should at least be an option to choose the network at the time of purchase from the manufacturer.

How are others addressing this issue, or is it not widespread enough to warrant further action?

To partially resolve the problem, I installed an aftermarket GPS tracker that uses Airtel, and it works reliably. However, I would have preferred to use the manufacturer's apps, which offer additional features. Unfortunately, due to poor network coverage, these features don't work well in many areas when the vehicles are in outskirts.

[ishekk]

Originally Posted by Smartomotive

The Mahindra XUV700 comes with Vi network, while the MG ZS EV comes with Jio network, both built-in. Unfortunately, both networks have extremely poor coverage in many of the areas in outskirts of the city, causing issues with tracking the vehicle and utilizing the in-built features.

To partially resolve the problem, I installed an aftermarket GPS tracker that uses Airtel, and it works reliably. However, I would have preferred to use the manufacturer's apps, which offer additional features.

Can the EV be connected to a wifi hotspot for its data requirements? This can also future proof the vehicle's connected car features.

[Smartomotive]

Originally Posted by ishekk

Can the EV be connected to a wifi hotspot for its data requirements? This can also future proof the vehicle's connected car features.

I don't think so but even if we can, it's still not a long-term solution considering the vehicle is NOT always driven by me.

[freelancer6202]

If there is a sim card installed in networking device inside car then it might be possible to swap the sim card with desired network.

[PreludeSH]

Originally Posted by freelancer6202

If there is a sim card installed in networking device inside car then it might he possible to swap the sim card with desired network.

Dont think it will be a physical SIM card. Will be eSIM with no facility for us to reprogram. Maybe we should ask Mr. Gadkari to legislate and allow us to use any SIM we want

[staraphd]

Originally Posted by Smartomotive

I'm curious why there aren't any legal regulations that would allow us to switch providers. Similar to mobile number portability, there should be a provision for this. How can manufacturers enforce these networks on us, especially when they're not functioning well? If not porting, there should at least be an option to choose the network at the time of purchase from the manufacturer.

Phones with eSIM have the option of porting exactly like physical SIM. Going by this logic, you should be able to port in your vehicles. Did the vehicle manufacturers provide you with a mobile number corresponding to the eSIM?

[spaceunicorn]

There is a KYC to be completed before the SIM is getting activated. The role of SIM may be just to connect the car to network and then further to the data base of the company - so technically saying, this is possible as the SIM is in your name and not in the name of car company. But I have no clue on how this can be done. I checked with Tata sometime back on the lack of reception for by Tigor EV and they said there is one network which is primary and second one which is back up. I believe it was Airtel and BSNL (not sure though).

[Smartomotive]

These are likely IoT/M2M SIMs not eSIM or Physical. They are specially designed for IoT usages. They're embed, can't replace.

[ALTIMAed]

Originally Posted by ishekk

Can the EV be connected to a wifi hotspot for its data requirements? This can also future proof the vehicle's connected car features.

Am not sure of all EVs, but MG vehicles can be connected to Wifi / hotspot

Originally Posted by freelancer6202

If there is a sim card installed in networking device inside car then it might be possible to swap the sim card with desired network.

It is not a sim card per se, but it is called a 'machine sim'. I have not seen it, hence cannot comment on how it looks and where it is installed, but I can find out the next time my EV goes for service.

Originally Posted by PreludeSH

Dont think it will be a physical SIM card. Will be eSIM with no facility for us to reprogram. Maybe we should ask Mr. Gadkari to legislate and allow us to use any SIM we want

Totally off topic, but still of importance
Mr. Gadkari needs to be made aware of the plight of us EV users, having to download each and every EV charger company app, load their wallet with the amount they demand us to load, resulting in blocking of funds, which is next to impossible to get a refund (in case one happens to use that company's charger. just once). Would it be that difficult to make it 'unified' like UPI, so that the customer could link his / her bank account and charge his / her vehicle at any company's charger instead of downloading many apps. I have 14 of them downloaded on my phone and about Rs 3000 blocked. In order to utilize my funds, I shall have to make the effort to drive down to the company specific charger and charge my car for the balance value, which is not a convenient option at all.
I just hope someone from MoRTH is running his / her eyes on this

Originally Posted by staraphd

Phones with eSIM have the option of porting exactly like physical SIM. Going by this logic, you should be able to port in your vehicles. Did the vehicle manufacturers provide you with a mobile number corresponding to the eSIM?

The manufacturer, read dealer, asks for a mobile number during the vehicle booking process, the number to be provided shall be used for all vehicle related communication including vehicle registration / insurance / phone binding (as they call it in MG parlance) to operate the Ismart features of the vehicle. It is somewhat akin to the registered mobile number that we are accustomed to, in case of banks / Adhaar Card etc. It is a huge task to change this number once registered.

[PreludeSH]

eSIM need not have a phone number and you can use it for data-only. I think the car makers might be giving you such functionality. Is there a device setting in the car where you can assign a number or change the eSIM to different operator ?

As I said it all depends on whether its enabled for you to do it yourself.

[shyampsunder]

Originally Posted by Smartomotive

I don't think so but even if we can, it's still not a long-term solution considering the vehicle is NOT always driven by me.

The ZS EV can be connected to any WiFi network. Even if you are not driving the vehicle, you can purchase a WiFi hotspot device and keep it plugged into your car.

Honestly, I haven't used the inbuilt SIM even once apart from remotely turning on the AC or checking the SoC %. Android Auto and Apple Carplay provide a much better experience.

I would rather have no SIM on the car than pay for an additional SIM and hotspot device but it's up to you, the option exists.

[wooka]

Why will the govt oblige? You're fighting a massive car industry lobby, aren't you?