This thread follows on from here:

https://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic60390.html

First of all if you can set your phone to hotspot and connect to this then this is the cheapest way of getting around the 3G switch off, however my Android phone turns off "Hotspot" after x minutes if nothing has been connected to it. This means I have to remember to turn on my hotspot each time I use the car.

I bought a USB modem stick - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08C...&psc=1

also I purchased a 500mm USB extender lead so I can have the above modem in the lid to the armrest - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D...&psc=1

This all arrived and I inserted my SIM card (note it takes a full size SIM card) plugged into an indoor power source and tested everything was working correctly.

Then out to the car connected the USB to the in-car USB port then in the media-system setting set up the wifi to connect to the new modem. Al appeared to go smoothly.........

HOWEVER could I get the media system browser to connect to a website, not a chance. Could I get the system to sign in, no way.

In desperation I found another USB power source not connected to the car an problem resolved, so it appears because the in car USB port does both power and data the system is getting confused,

I needed to either use the 12v "cigar socket" with a USB adapter or use a special USB cable which has power only to the device (missing the data wires). As I power my dash-cam from the "cigar socket", I decided to buy a "cigar socket pas through with USB sockets included - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01I...8&th=1

I now have a fully working future proof 4G system which has cost me around £75 to set up.

(I buy a 24 month Three Data SIM which works out around £1.50 per month contract free - https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Three-Mobile-Pa...amp;sr=8-3 ) MY17 RRS 4.4d V8 Autobiography - Aintree Green (also referred to on Topix as British Racing Green)

Great hack!

RRT wrote:

it appears because the in car USB port does both power and data the system is getting confused

You maybe right, however the USB modem was showing all the correct lights suggesting that stick was working, however as you have pointed out, it is probably best to use the higher/guaranteed power output. MY17 RRS 4.4d V8 Autobiography - Aintree Green (also referred to on Topix as British Racing Green)

Thanks, this is a good workaround.

I’ve managed to use my phone (iPhone) hotspot, but I’ve found that the infotainment system doesn’t connect automatically to it.

Is there a way to connect to the hotspot automatically?

And, has anyone been in touch with JLR to see if they are going to release an update? The usb/sim module is easily replaceable, so it would surely be an easy update.

No, the 3G is a chip on a logic board somewhere and not upgradable.
Someone checked this out on the D5 forum. 2023 P440e SE Dynamic on order -cancelled

2022 HSE Dynamic P400e

2017 Discovery 3.0 HSE Silicon Silver Nimbus interior and a few extra toys SOLD

2013 HSE Black, Orkney Grey, Ebony Seats and Ivory Interior SOLD

2006 HSE

Plus a few other cars inbetween!

Shortcuts in iOS is your friend for connecting BT, wifi and some creative automation hacks! 2018 Telsa MS
2012 Range Rover Sport HSE+
1990 Porsche 944
1985 LR 90 Soft top V8

giffgaff sim will buy you another year as they run on O2 who are apparently the last to switch off in 2025. Current
2017 Range Rover Sport SVR
2011 Range Rover Evoque
2001 Porsche 911 Turbo
_____________________________________
Previous
2013 Range Rover Autobiography SDV8
2007 Range Rover Vogue SE TDV8
2002 Range Rover HSE TD6
+ Many other non LR products

Thanks for all the help on this, I think it's now sorted.

I bought this 4G USB modem from Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTGJ5G3N?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) as the one recommended earlier was over £100 - this one was £16

I put the SIM card in, in the computer to check it and change the SSID and the password - all worked OK.

I connected it to the USB port in the centre console via a genuine Apple USB male-female adaptor, then connected the car via connectivity settings and it connected fine.

I then switched off the car, and then switched back on and it connected automatically to the new wifi modem.

FWIW, I'm using a Smarty SIM - it's about £5 per month and that includes roaming. It's the same one I had in the car anyway, just moved it over

Yeah, well, that didn't work. I have pretty much no phone signal at home, which is why I though it was working but I've subsequently discovered that the 4g modem won't connect to the mobile service. It creates a hot sport but with no internet connection.

My card is from Smarty, so I configured the APN with the Smarty details, but it doesn't connect and of course as it's Chinese there's no support.

Back to the drawing board

Did you power the USB modem from the USB port rather than from a "Cigar Lighter" USB power supply?

If so this may be your problem - I could not connect to the internet when powering the modem from the car's USB port but could when using a "cigar lighter" power source. MY17 RRS 4.4d V8 Autobiography - Aintree Green (also referred to on Topix as British Racing Green)

This is just testing it on my computer. I can log on to the hotspot, then into the set up to change the API details for my Smarty SIM (Three) but the device doesn't connect to the network.

I

t does this:

I take it you are using a data device plan SIM not a phone SIM? 2023 P440e SE Dynamic on order -cancelled

2022 HSE Dynamic P400e

2017 Discovery 3.0 HSE Silicon Silver Nimbus interior and a few extra toys SOLD

2013 HSE Black, Orkney Grey, Ebony Seats and Ivory Interior SOLD

2006 HSE

Plus a few other cars inbetween!

It's the same SIM that was in the car - which works fine, at least until they turn off 3G

"Before purchasing, check the frequency band used by your local carrier to ensure that it is compatible with your local usage." 2023 P440e SE Dynamic on order -cancelled

2022 HSE Dynamic P400e

2017 Discovery 3.0 HSE Silicon Silver Nimbus interior and a few extra toys SOLD

2013 HSE Black, Orkney Grey, Ebony Seats and Ivory Interior SOLD

2006 HSE

Plus a few other cars inbetween!