My 2020 F-Type has Vehicle Connectivity System 14.2, which I want to update. JLRNA (ext.#9) tells me the latest version is 20.2, which I'm assuming would add the ability to connect the car to an external hotspot (which a Forum member with a 2020 XE and v.20.2 told me is included with that version).

JLRNA has confirmed that v20.2 is racked up and ready for my download as soon as I re-establish mobile data connectivity (but they couldn't point me to any release notes re version features). A new mobile data provider's micro-SIM has failed to connect. JLRNA advises that a dealership can update the Vehicle Connectivity System to 20.2 via hardwiring (without mobile data), but that I'd have to pay for that service. (However, I'm advised by the federal court's class-action settlement administrator re George v. JLRNA that I'm entitled to no-cost InControl upgrades to enable OTA software updates, but I haven't yet seen a dealership about that.)

Before I try the dealership, I'd like to know if anyone here has information about accessing release notes that would detail the features/capabilities of the Connectivity System versions, in particular, whether v20.2 would indeed let my car connect to my phone's hotspot, to access the real-time traffic info I've paid for along with map updates, via Jaguar.here.com.

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a low-cost, data-only mobile data micro-SIM provider that actually works with the F-Type? After JLR's complimentary AT&T mobile data expired, I had no-cost (free 100MB/month of data) service from a provider called FreeUp Mobile that used the T-Mobile network, but my well-functioning plan was discontinued after a year (during which I didn't know I could have requested the v20.2 download). Then I unsuccessfully tried another low-cost T-Mobile network user called UltraMobile, but it lacked the bands/channels needed by the InControl system. I don't want to pay a min. $10/month for mobile data just for occasional access to real-time traffic and re-routing capabilities, which is why I'm hoping to get the external-hotspot connection option, so I can use my phone's connectivity.

Any advice about any of this would be appreciated.

 

Can’t these cars be hooked up to your home wifi for doing updates? Thought someone mentioned recently that this was possible?

 

Apparently not if you're stuck with Connectivity System v14.2, as I am currently. The 2020 XE owner with v20.2 whom I mentioned showed me a photo of his touchscreen and its "connect car to external hotspot" option, which mine lacks (only having a "connect external device to car's hotspot" option).

 

The later InControl systems in the F-Type can become a hotspot with a cellular service, but they cannot connect to an external hotspot. There is no option for that, regardless of version, in the F-Type. The XE does have that option.

 

Yeah the F-type doesn't get onto Wifi like the other models, it has the older networks systems in it, XE/XF got flexray support in '18, the Ftype and XJ never did. The car should be ok with any SIM that has a valid connection, but you would need to source something to make it work or have the car updated via wired update using Topix. Don't happen to be in south FL by chance do you?

 

So you’re saying my 2024 F-type can’t do over the air updates out of the box without doing something? My salesman recently mentioned to me that it would.

 

Nope. OC, Calif

 

What I've learned is that you can have an outdated Vehicle Connectivity Software version like I do (v14.2) and not know an updated version is available unless you speak with the JLRNA support desk in NJ. When I have my mobile data restored, I'll receive v20.2 (the latest) OTA, but only because I spoke with JLRNA and asked to have it be downloadable.

 

So I won't get an ability to connect the F-Type to my phone's mobile data, like XEs have, but do you know what functionality or improvements I will get by updating to Vehicle Connectivity Software version 20.2, versus v14.2?