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SIM card swap, at&t vs competition

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Old Nov 19, 2016 | 06:54 PM
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SIM card swap, at&t vs competition

Hello

Reporting on my SIM card swap. The car comes with att chip, 3gb or 3 months , whatever comes first. If you connect your phone to use PCM connect app (POI transfer, Napster, radio.net), the phone will keep using data for all else (e-mail, VOIP, music, etc). So, data goes to quickly. When added the native google maps and traffic, your 3 gb will be gone in a month. I tried using my home wifi to download maps but helped very little. Vanilla iPhone don't have an app like android that creates routines (IFTTT), for instance, if Bluetooth connects to PCM, then turn on hotspot and vice versa. You can manually turn on hotspot on your phone and the PCM will work as if it had a SIM card active. The battery on the phone will drain quickly.

Don't start me with CarPlay , it has a looooong way to go.

So, taking advantage of a promotion this weekend, I got 2 free data lines for my car and the wife's. Plugged in, it asked to choose one out of 4 options, I choose the one with LTE on it.
Immediately the hotspot worked. so did PCM connect. Google earth maps then downloaded fine.
Next came online search and traffic. Although the options were available, they did not work . I quickly swapped the att card back and then back to T-Mobile . After that it all worked well. I have the suspicion that there is something in the service contract that asks for att SIM card. Tomorrow I'll test again and drive around. Allegedly there are issues with different channels within the GSM band that differ between providers which renders T-Mobile coverage spotty with the PCM.

Worst case scenario I'll get an OBD hotspot, no cost per month as well and use it to connect the PCM to the internets.
Cheers!
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 05:48 AM
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Can you elaborate on what didn't work using the other SIM? Any chance you could document some repeatable steps and post them here? I'd be willing to try them in my '17 CGTS with both the AT&T and Verizon SIM cards.

I have a Verizon SIM and haven't seen anything that's not working. But, then again, I really haven't used the PCM enough to be able to tell what I might be missing.

With the Verizon SIM I have found that I get:
  • Overlaid traffic data (which is rather sparse for local roads, mainly just interstates)
  • Online Searches for addresses (which oddly can't be saved as favorites)
  • 3D buildings and map contours
  • Overlaid Google Maps imagery
  • WiFi Hotspot
  • Radio.net streaming (don't ever plan on paying for Rhapsody)
I believe the PCM can buffer a certain amount of mapping data for offline use. I haven't deliberately set up any such areas. However, I don't know just how much it buffers on it's own. I stopped using the AT&T SIM about half-way between Asheville and Roanoke, before driving up to Maryland. I have no idea what the PCM stores or if that's an area that'd fit in it's buffers.

I don't know much about GSM channel differences across carriers, but I do realize that using a Verizon SIM won't allow any access if I'm not in an area that has Verizon 4G/LTE coverage. A Verizon SIM can only fall back to CDMA and there's no radio for that in the PCM. Just about everywhere I'd be traveling there's decent 4G coverage, so that's less likely to be an issue for me.

Also note that the added CPU load and radio throughput (cell & wifi) on the phone to run a hotspot generates a lot heat. Some phones have a lot more trouble than others being used this way. Essentially their design can't effectively dissipate the heat well enough and that leads to intermittent problems and early failures. So I wouldn't plan on using a phone as a hotspot without looking into that first.

I think it'd help if we could narrow down just what does or doesn't work, long-term, with a non-AT&T SIM. From what I gather there's no easy way to activate the PCM functions without it being initially set up on an AT&T SIM. Given the 3 month trial that's not a big deal. But for me, with a Verizon shared data plan across my devices, it'd mean the hassle of another account and likely 'wasted' bandwidth trying to guess how much I'd need over time.

Spending for another cell account wouldn't kill me, but having one with enough data capacity for weekend trips and hotspot consumption for stuff like Netflix would mean it'd have to be a more expensive plan, sitting idle a majority of the time. Even with schemes like 'rollover' I'd still have to keep tabs on it all the time. So it's not the money as much as avoiding the hassles.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 05:54 AM
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As for some other kind of hotspot, I think you'd want to be using something that booted faster than the PCM (which is somewhat slow). That way the WiFi network would always be there for the PCM to see it during startup. The trick would be powering it from something that gets power before the PCM but that gets turned off with the PCM.

Of course we'd still have to have a better idea of what wouldn't actually work through anything other than the AT&T SIM. I suppose they could filter access to servers based on the carrier but it would seem like a lot of added work for little benefit on their end.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by wkearney99
Can you elaborate on what didn't work using the other SIM? Any chance you could document some repeatable steps and post them here? I'd be willing to try them in my '17 CGTS with both the AT&T and Verizon SIM cards.

I have a Verizon SIM and haven't seen anything that's not working. But, then again, I really haven't used the PCM enough to be able to tell what I might be missing.

With the Verizon SIM I have found that I get:
  • Overlaid traffic data (which is rather sparse for local roads, mainly just interstates)
  • Online Searches for addresses (which oddly can't be saved as favorites)
  • 3D buildings and map contours
  • Overlaid Google Maps imagery
  • WiFi Hotspot
  • Radio.net streaming (don't ever plan on paying for Rhapsody)
I believe the PCM can buffer a certain amount of mapping data for offline use. I haven't deliberately set up any such areas. However, I don't know just how much it buffers on it's own. I stopped using the AT&T SIM about half-way between Asheville and Roanoke, before driving up to Maryland. I have no idea what the PCM stores or if that's an area that'd fit in it's buffers.

I don't know much about GSM channel differences across carriers, but I do realize that using a Verizon SIM won't allow any access if I'm not in an area that has Verizon 4G/LTE coverage. A Verizon SIM can only fall back to CDMA and there's no radio for that in the PCM. Just about everywhere I'd be traveling there's decent 4G coverage, so that's less likely to be an issue for me.

Also note that the added CPU load and radio throughput (cell & wifi) on the phone to run a hotspot generates a lot heat. Some phones have a lot more trouble than others being used this way. Essentially their design can't effectively dissipate the heat well enough and that leads to intermittent problems and early failures. So I wouldn't plan on using a phone as a hotspot without looking into that first.

I think it'd help if we could narrow down just what does or doesn't work, long-term, with a non-AT&T SIM. From what I gather there's no easy way to activate the PCM functions without it being initially set up on an AT&T SIM. Given the 3 month trial that's not a big deal. But for me, with a Verizon shared data plan across my devices, it'd mean the hassle of another account and likely 'wasted' bandwidth trying to guess how much I'd need over time.

Spending for another cell account wouldn't kill me, but having one with enough data capacity for weekend trips and hotspot consumption for stuff like Netflix would mean it'd have to be a more expensive plan, sitting idle a majority of the time. Even with schemes like 'rollover' I'd still have to keep tabs on it all the time. So it's not the money as much as avoiding the hassles.
Awesome write up. I'm pretty much in the same situation. If your functions are all working, maybe it's the coverage in my garage. I'll drive a bit and report back.

The buffer exists but it's small. I noticed when my first att SIM card came defective and we tried someone else's card; google earth started to load, took a little at first, traffic was available immediately. Once we switched back to the defective, google earth stayed for less than a minute and traffic was gone.

Seems that every time the sim comes back in there's some form of handshakes beyond the GSM but perhaps also related to the constant data flow google earth and traffic needs.

As usual, ridiculous peanuts that Porsche I found to profit. Finally a head unit that is only about 5 years behind and they muck it up with this sim debacle...
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by wkearney99
As for some other kind of hotspot, I think you'd want to be using something that booted faster than the PCM (which is somewhat slow). That way the WiFi network would always be there for the PCM to see it during startup. The trick would be powering it from something that gets power before the PCM but that gets turned off with the PCM.

Of course we'd still have to have a better idea of what wouldn't actually work through anything other than the AT&T SIM. I suppose they could filter access to servers based on the carrier but it would seem like a lot of added work for little benefit on their end.
That's the OBD hotspot T-Mobile came up with. I might get it if the SIM card doesn't work in the end.
I agree it maybe a lot of work, but Porsche likes to profit for all they can, the att contract may imply some sort of exclusivity in the begin, not unheard of (i.e. iPhone)
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 09:15 AM
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An important thing to consider is Porsche isn't an IT technologies company. They're sub-contracting at least some portion of the PCM programming/design and web services operations. As a result there's going to be a bit of delay between their implementation and more actively integrated solutions. That doesn't justify it but it does explain the perceived delay.

That and the sub-contractors (cobra, vodaphone, etc) are in a tough spot because any sensible automaker would prefer to keep the whole thing in-house. So any implementation the sub-contractors create is probably not going to be much more than what their manufacturer clients are savvy enough to request. Which is likely to be lame because they're not IT tech companies. Lots of chicken-and-egg involved here.

And then there's the general Porsche perspective of "these are vehicles YOU drive, not electronic gizmos". Again, not a justification but an observation.

So I kind of doubt there's much profit to be had in the current scenario. Even at $219/year (for the 'everything Car Connect plan), spread across the limited production numbers of Porsche vehicles, you're still not looking at a lot of money. This is an emerging problem for cloud-based solutions (across many markets). The costs to keep it running AND keeping development on par with the market have to be borne somewhere. Granted, that's just the Car Connect tier. I haven't yet considered the additional service costs (if just because I haven't followed up on all the paperwork involved!)

As for '5 years behind', well, it's not that bad. Compared to Land Rover it's quite modern. Or Mercedes (which is nearly unusable it's so convoluted). Volvo's is very nicely integrated and Chrysler/Jeep's are probably about the most 'modern' of the bunch. I held out for the PCM4 in the '17 because it was at least somewhat modern, and it's largely living up to that.

The one place where it does seem clearly lacking is local street traffic overlays. Google Maps on Android does a markedly better job of showing just about ALL streets, not just interstates and major artery roads. That's disappointing.

That and Maps on the phone does a better job of re-routing. The built-in one REALLY hangs onto the initial route, desperately requesting U-turns and the like. So while there's live traffic data being overlaid I don't get the impression that's being used for the actual routing. That appears to be handled by the PCM routing software, not Google. There's pros and cons to consider here, using built-in software and maps means you'll always have navigation options regardless of cellular signal coverage. This is a good thing, especially for remote conditions (off-road, mountains, etc). But this can be overcome on the phone apps by using offline map storage (provided you remember to download it ahead of time and consume the storage/bandwidth to get it).

I'm not displeased with the PCM4 setup, it's a pretty decent offering all-around. Like anything it could be better, of course.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 09:26 AM
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As for OBD hotspots, meh, I'm less than happy with the idea of re-purposing that connection for something like this. I'd rather avoid making any direct connections into the vehicle subsystems accessible via the OBD port. This article is worth reading:

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/obd2-don...ews-21590.html

That and it's pretty easy to just use a USB or 12v connection for power instead. Eliminating the need for anything specifically limited to use in an automobile. With a generic USB-powered gizmo you could at least use it elsewhere. Take it with you into a hotel on road trips, or use it other times when you know there's no need for it in the car.

The only reason I'd see using a separate hotspot would be if I didn't have the feature activated in the PCM. Or previous models without it. Even then I'd still aim for a standalone kind of hotspot, not one limited to just OBD. I don't know what (if any) other limitations or problems the PCM hotspot might have, in comparison to a separate hotspot. Could be the router in there does a crappy job, or there's some as-yet-unknown security problem. Meanwhile I know it accomplishes my goal of letting the kids stream Netflix to their tablets, that's good enough for now.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 11:19 AM
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The online search and traffic checks for service contract with either SIM card . Once I swap back to att it works. If I immediately change it to T-Mobile it also works. Suffice to say it's a hassle. May need to use a hotspot in the car instead. The appeal of the OBD from T-Mobile, its free for now including usage...
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 11:34 AM
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Hmm, well, in my '17 GTS, that's had the Verizon SIM in it since last Saturday, the Online Search returns results just fine. Likewise it's showing traffic for larger roads.

What version of software is on your PCM? Here's what mine reports:
 
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Old Nov 20, 2016 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by wkearney99
Hmm, well, in my '17 GTS, that's had the Verizon SIM in it since last Saturday, the Online Search returns results just fine. Likewise it's showing traffic for larger roads.

What version of software is on your PCM? Here's what mine reports:
Seems my software version on the Cayenne is a bit outdated . I'll check the 911 but I think the variable is T-Mobile...

Gotta clean that screen...
 
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Old Nov 20, 2016 | 01:12 PM
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Originally Posted by wkearney99
An important thing to consider is Porsche isn't an IT technologies company. They're sub-contracting at least some portion of the PCM programming/design and web services operations. As a result there's going to be a bit of delay between their implementation and more actively integrated solutions. That doesn't justify it but it does explain the perceived delay.

That and the sub-contractors (cobra, vodaphone, etc) are in a tough spot because any sensible automaker would prefer to keep the whole thing in-house. So any implementation the sub-contractors create is probably not going to be much more than what their manufacturer clients are savvy enough to request. Which is likely to be lame because they're not IT tech companies. Lots of chicken-and-egg involved here.

And then there's the general Porsche perspective of "these are vehicles YOU drive, not electronic gizmos". Again, not a justification but an observation.

So I kind of doubt there's much profit to be had in the current scenario. Even at $219/year (for the 'everything Car Connect plan), spread across the limited production numbers of Porsche vehicles, you're still not looking at a lot of money. This is an emerging problem for cloud-based solutions (across many markets). The costs to keep it running AND keeping development on par with the market have to be borne somewhere. Granted, that's just the Car Connect tier. I haven't yet considered the additional service costs (if just because I haven't followed up on all the paperwork involved!)

As for '5 years behind', well, it's not that bad. Compared to Land Rover it's quite modern. Or Mercedes (which is nearly unusable it's so convoluted). Volvo's is very nicely integrated and Chrysler/Jeep's are probably about the most 'modern' of the bunch. I held out for the PCM4 in the '17 because it was at least somewhat modern, and it's largely living up to that.

The one place where it does seem clearly lacking is local street traffic overlays. Google Maps on Android does a markedly better job of showing just about ALL streets, not just interstates and major artery roads. That's disappointing.

That and Maps on the phone does a better job of re-routing. The built-in one REALLY hangs onto the initial route, desperately requesting U-turns and the like. So while there's live traffic data being overlaid I don't get the impression that's being used for the actual routing. That appears to be handled by the PCM routing software, not Google. There's pros and cons to consider here, using built-in software and maps means you'll always have navigation options regardless of cellular signal coverage. This is a good thing, especially for remote conditions (off-road, mountains, etc). But this can be overcome on the phone apps by using offline map storage (provided you remember to download it ahead of time and consume the storage/bandwidth to get it).

I'm not displeased with the PCM4 setup, it's a pretty decent offering all-around. Like anything it could be better, of course.
I agree overall. My comparison would be related mostly to Japanese cars and aftermarket units, which I know it's unfair. For that same reason, Porsche shouldn't be charging extra for internet, google earth/traffic (particularly considering how suboptimal it is compared to phones receiving the same data) and the "LoJack" (Porsche connect) equivalent. Several brands don't charge at all, to the exception of LTE hotspot, which most do.

I had a boxster with the pcm 2, a 911 with pcm 3. Those were borderline useless as they couldn't keep up with the car around the bends, wheels sensors and all. Even the unit on the 991 is crappy (navigation and sporadic Bluetooth audio working). They definitely came a long way.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by John McLane
I agree overall. My comparison would be related mostly to Japanese cars and aftermarket units, which I know it's unfair. For that same reason, Porsche shouldn't be charging extra for internet, google earth/traffic (particularly considering how suboptimal it is compared to phones receiving the same data) and the "LoJack" (Porsche connect) equivalent. Several brands don't charge at all, to the exception of LTE hotspot, which most do.
...
They definitely came a long way.
Yep, the '17 PCM was enough of an improvement that I waited for it. Upside is I got the new Sapphire Blue paint.

As for Porsche and "shouldn't be charging"... c'mon you KNOW that ain't ever gonna happen!

The real question is how will support for these things play out over the coming years. As more things make use of online services it's going to become awkward as those services get discontinued or abandoned. Though, I'm not worried enough that it'd keep me from buying them and using them now. But I could see some folks hesitating.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by John McLane
Seems my software version on the Cayenne is a bit outdated.
I've seen a menu item somewhere in PCM regarding updates. I've no idea where you'd check to see what's the latest available version. Presumably the service department would know. It'd be nice to be able to find that on Porsche's website somewhere. I'm assuming the updates would require being loaded from an SD card or via dealer diagnostics.

It looks like we've both got the same Nav data though. Wonder if that's updated over the air or if mine's just old.

I seem to recall a mention of PCM updates over on a Macan forum. Something about one coming last October. I didn't investigate further.

It'd be nice to have a separate PCM-oriented sub-forum, if just to be able to share conversations with other models that use the same PCM. I can imagine the pre-tech membership recoiling in horror at the suggestion though...
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by wkearney99
I've seen a menu item somewhere in PCM regarding updates. I've no idea where you'd check to see what's the latest available version. Presumably the service department would know. It'd be nice to be able to find that on Porsche's website somewhere. I'm assuming the updates would require being loaded from an SD card or via dealer diagnostics.

It looks like we've both got the same Nav data though. Wonder if that's updated over the air or if mine's just old.

I seem to recall a mention of PCM updates over on a Macan forum. Something about one coming last October. I didn't investigate further.

It'd be nice to have a separate PCM-oriented sub-forum, if just to be able to share conversations with other models that use the same PCM. I can imagine the pre-tech membership recoiling in horror at the suggestion though...
I agree with the pcm forum, particularly considering it crosses platforms...

My 911 has the last update, same as the Cayenne gts in this thread. I asked if came OTA, answer is "we're not tesla". Beemers had it on their site to download and install, at least the Bluetooth software. Maybe in the future they'll email the owner the files instead of asking us to go to the stealership, as they have to pay them to install updates. It seems also that there is a lot more than a single software to upload. The nav data probably stays as it is, in the past they charged to load new data, not the case if you use google earth.

Regardless, I got a hotspot that I'll leave in the trunk, rendering proper connection with traffic and search for $0 monthly. Better than the lame att plans.
 
Old Nov 20, 2016 | 09:39 PM
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Tomorrow I'll try changing the APN settings, maybe something there:
apn settings
 


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