eSIM vs WiFi - differences ?

ParachuteMan · Feb 2, 2024

I have a Cali Ocean with the orange WiFi button. If I choose to activate it, I am warned that by doing so, my integrated eSIM will be disabled. In essence, I can either have eSIM or WiFi, but not both. I believe eSIM gives me software and nav updates amongst other things. WiFI allows me to use remote control in the CaliforniaOnTour app - although it only works about 4 m away. Instinctively, I'd prefer to stick with the eSIM, but am I missing anything by not having the WiFi ? I have waded through the manuals, but can't see a clear answer. Any thoughts ?

andyinluton · Feb 2, 2024

ParachuteMan said:
I have a Cali Ocean with the orange WiFi button. If I choose to activate it, I am warned that by doing so, my integrated eSIM will be disabled. In essence, I can either have eSIM or WiFi, but not both. I believe eSIM gives me software and nav updates amongst other things. WiFI allows me to use remote control in the CaliforniaOnTour app - although it only works about 4 m away. Instinctively, I'd prefer to stick with the eSIM, but am I missing anything by not having the WiFi ? I have waded through the manuals, but can't see a clear answer. Any thoughts ?

Surely you only use the WiFi when you are camping & I'm sure you can manage for that time without having a software or Nav update?

California Rob · Feb 2, 2024

I might be wrong and often am but i think you can still get updates if the e sim boxes has a tick in it or not. I think its more to do with if you have bought a data plan for vw. (which is tottally useless) i bought some data and all i could do was get some internet radio stations. wifi comes into play if you want to hotspot your infotainment to your phone. i found by doing that i can use apple carplay wirelessly get internet radio and use apple music.

ParachuteMan · Feb 3, 2024

andyinluton said:
Surely you only use the WiFi when you are camping & I'm sure you can manage for that time without having a software or Nav update?

Yes, that’s true but I’m trying to find out if WiFi offers more than just remote control.

ParachuteMan · Feb 3, 2024

California Rob said:
I might be wrong and often am but i think you can still get updates if the e sim boxes has a tick in it or not. I think its more to do with if you have bought a data plan for vw. (which is tottally useless) i bought some data and all i could do was get some internet radio stations. wifi comes into play if you want to hotspot your infotainment to your phone. i found by doing that i can use apple carplay wirelessly get internet radio and use apple music.

Thanks. I have a 3 year VW data plan that comes with the Ocean.

Carplay and the iPhone work wirelessly but I don’t know if that’s standard or to do with the WiFi. To be honest, I use the 4G / 5G on my phone and tablet and campsite WiFi if it’s available and haven’t had any connection issues. I don’t know if the VW Wi-Fi adds anything useful.

Wannabecamperman · Feb 3, 2024

ParachuteMan said:
Thanks. I have a 3 year VW data plan that comes with the Ocean.

Carplay and the iPhone work wirelessly but I don’t know if that’s standard or to do with the WiFi. To be honest, I use the 4G / 5G on my phone and tablet and campsite WiFi if it’s available and haven’t had any connection issues. I don’t know if the VW Wi-Fi adds anything useful.

I would expect it's handy if you need to tether several devices to the same router / wi-fi hub. Travelling with 2 teenagers would be a scenario where being able to log in to the onboard wifi while travelling would come in handy.

The new Transit Nugget allows up to 10 devices simultaneously, not sure about the Cali, possibly the same?

California Rob · Feb 3, 2024

ParachuteMan said:
Thanks. I have a 3 year VW data plan that comes with the Ocean.

Carplay and the iPhone work wirelessly but I don’t know if that’s standard or to do with the WiFi. To be honest, I use the 4G / 5G on my phone and tablet and campsite WiFi if it’s available and haven’t had any connection issues. I don’t know if the VW Wi-Fi adds anything useful.

That’s interesting I didn’t know they gave a 3 year data plan. I thought it was just 3 years vw connect. How much data do you get each month.

ParachuteMan · Feb 3, 2024

California Rob said:
That’s interesting I didn’t know they gave a 3 year data plan. I thought it was just 3 years vw connect. How much data do you get each month.

Hi. I think you may well be right. I don’t think I get a data plan like O2, 3G etc. But it’s just not clear, especially with the change / withdrawal of the VW apps. It’s all a bit of a mess - hence my original post.

Justinitus1972 · Feb 3, 2024

From what I understand, you get 3yrs data included for map updates, system updates, synching your phone with the VW app etc but if you want internet radio or internet for web browsing then you purchase a further data package through VW’s supplier, Cubic Telecom, which is daftly expensive.

ParachuteMan · Feb 4, 2024

Justinitus1972 said:
From what I understand, you get 3yrs data included for map updates, system updates, synching your phone with the VW app etc but if you want internet radio or internet for web browsing then you purchase a further data package through VW’s supplier, Cubic Telecom, which is daftly expensive.

Ah, thanks. That starts to make sense. Yes, I had heard Cubic was bonkers pricing.