Why do I need Ford Premium connectivity?
Ford Premium Connectivity adds an embedded 4G LTE modem to your vehicle, giving you a Wi‑Fi hotspot for devices, real‑time navigation updates, and remote features through the FordPass app. It’s a paid service that generally follows a trial period included with new vehicles, with pricing varying by model and region.
What Premium Connectivity is and what it includes
Below is an overview of the core services typically offered with Premium Connectivity and how they work in practice inside compatible Ford models.
- In‑car Wi‑Fi hotspot: A built‑in modem provides a Wi‑Fi network inside the cabin so passengers can connect up to multiple devices without using their phone data plans.
- Real‑time navigation and traffic: Live traffic data and route updates help you find faster ways around congestion and changing conditions on the road.
- Travel Link and data services: Access weather, fuel prices, sports scores, and other information that Ford has bundled into connected services (varies by region and vehicle).
- Remote FordPass features: From the FordPass app you can check vehicle status, and in many models you can remotely start, lock/unlock, or locate the vehicle.
- Over‑the‑air updates and maps: Your infotainment software and maps can receive updates over the air, helping keep features current without a dealer visit.
- Streaming and app use via the car’s data connection: Use supported in‑car apps and streaming services more reliably when connected, without burning phone data.
In short, Premium Connectivity turns the car into a connected hub that extends the capabilities of your smartphone, rather than relying solely on your phone’s data plan.
How Premium Connectivity adds value to daily driving
This section highlights practical scenarios where the service can make a difference in everyday use and longer trips.
- Passenger convenience: A cabin Wi‑Fi hotspot supports kids, coworkers, or passengers who need internet access on the go.
- Efficient trips: Real‑time traffic and smart routing can reduce time stuck in traffic and help you plan better arrival estimates.
- Stay informed on the road: Weather, fuel prices, and other Travel Link data can help you make on‑the‑spot decisions without pulling out your phone.
- Remote vehicle access: If your car is parked in a busy lot, you can locate it or check its status from your phone, improving peace of mind and convenience.
- Software longevity: OTA updates help ensure your infotainment system stays current with new features and security improvements.
For many drivers, these capabilities translate into tangible convenience, time savings, and a more connected driving experience.
Costs, trials, and considerations
Pricing, trial length, and feature availability can vary by model, trim level, and region. Here is what to keep in mind as you decide whether Premium Connectivity is right for you.
- Trial periods: New Ford purchases often include a complimentary trial of Premium Connectivity, after which a paid subscription is required to continue the service.
- Pricing variability: The monthly or annual cost depends on the model and market; check Ford’s official site or your dealer for current rates.
- Data usage and coverage: The service relies on the vehicle’s embedded modem and requires cellular coverage; data use may affect your plan and roaming policies.
- Model and region availability: Not all Ford models or regions support Premium Connectivity, and feature sets can differ by country.
- Alternatives: If you don’t need an in‑car hotspot or real‑time data, you can rely on your phone’s data plan or mobile hotspot as a cost‑saving alternative.
Know that the value of the subscription depends on how much you use connectivity features, how often you travel in areas with reliable mobile data, and whether you rely on real‑time navigation and remote features during your drives.
Who benefits most from Premium Connectivity
Subscribers tend to be families on longer trips, commuters who want reliable live traffic data, or drivers who value the convenience of an always‑on cabin Wi‑Fi network for devices and streaming. If you rarely need internet access in the car or you already rely on a robust mobile hotspot plan, the premium service may be less essential.
Alternatives and tips for evaluating need
Before committing, consider alternatives and a practical approach to evaluating value.
- Assess your data needs: Do you frequently connect multiple devices in the car or rely on live navigation data?
- Compare to mobile hotspots: If you already carry a reliable mobile hotspot plan, you may not need the in‑car hotspot.
- Check regional terms: Prices and features vary by country and vehicle type; confirm what applies to your specific model.
- Review trial terms: If a trial is available, test the features for several weeks to gauge usefulness in your daily routine and travel plans.
Careful evaluation can help determine whether Premium Connectivity offers measurable benefits or if a different setup better suits your needs and budget.
Summary
Ford Premium Connectivity provides an embedded data connection that can enhance navigation, enable a car‑wide Wi‑Fi network, and give you remote access features through FordPass. It can add practical value for long trips, families, and passengers who want reliable connectivity on the go, but it comes as a subscription with regional pricing and varying feature sets. If you frequently rely on live data, cabin connectivity, or remote vehicle features, it’s worth weighing the ongoing cost against how often you’ll use those capabilities. If not, you can often rely on your phone’s data plan or a separate hotspot solution.
What happens when Ford Premium Connectivity expires?
Once your Ford Premium Connectivity subscription ends, you can continue your connected experience by connecting your vehicle to the internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot such as your phone when you are on the go or a stationary Wi-Fi source such as your home internet when parked.
What is Ford Premium Connectivity Service worth it?
With Premium Connectivity, you can: Listen to your favourite albums and playlists using Amazon Music, Spotify, or another streaming service. Get personalized flash briefings for local, national, and global news. Play audiobooks or podcasts from Audible, Pandora, or your favourite streaming service.
Can I try Ford Premium Connectivity for free?
If your vehicle is eligible for a Ford Premium Connectivity subscription, you will receive a complimentary three-month free trial. This free trial starts from the point you activate your subscription within your Ford Account.
What does Ford Premium Connectivity get you?
Ford Premium Connectivity is a data subscription that provides a seamless connection for various in-vehicle features, including audio and video streaming, an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple devices, and voice assistance like Alexa or Google Assistant. It also includes other services such as connected navigation, news updates, podcasts, and entertainment like games and video conferencing.
Key features
- Entertainment: Allows for audio and video streaming from services like Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music, as well as games and karaoke.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Provides an unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices.
- Voice Assistant: Offers advanced integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, which can be used to access entertainment and other services.
- Navigation: Includes connected navigation features, providing up-to-date traffic and map information through a built-in system like Google Maps.
- Productivity: Supports productivity tools such as video conferencing (for parked vehicles) and audio conferencing.
- News and information: Provides access to personalized news flash briefings, podcasts, and audiobooks.
Important considerations
- Availability: Features and the availability of the plan itself can vary by vehicle model and year.
- Trial period: A one-year complimentary trial is often included with the purchase of an eligible vehicle, but a subscription is required after the trial ends.
- Third-party services: Streaming services themselves (like Spotify or YouTube) may require a separate subscription from the provider.
