Model year 2015 vehicle for 70K, one of the important safety features goes away after only two years of service because they cut corners and used 2G instead of 3G. Unbelievable. Infiniti just dropped this e-mail nugget:


Please note that your vehicle's telematics hardware is compatible for use with the 2G cellular network, which will no longer be available after December 31, 2016. Please read important information provided below regarding how termination of the 2G network impacts access to Infiniti Connection features.**

**Important Information re: Access to Infiniti Connection
Driving is serious business. Only use Infiniti Connection™ and Infiniti Connection Plus services when safe to do so. Services, including automatic crash notification and SOS, require an active subscription, and are dependent upon the telematics device being in an operative condition, its ability to connect to a wireless network, compatible wireless network availability, navigation map data, and GPS satellite signal receptions, the absence of which can limit or prevent the ability to reach Infiniti Connection Customer Care or receive support. Services require compatible 2G GSM/GPRS cellular network provided by AT&T. AT&T has announced that on December 31, 2016, AT&T will discontinue 2G network service. You must enroll by June 30, 2016 to access the services on the 2G network through December 31, 2016. 2G cellular network not available in all areas and/or available at all times. Cellular technology is evolving, and changes to cellular networks provided by independent companies are not within Infiniti's or Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Service's ("Sirius XM") control. Like other devices that rely on 2G network coverage, once the 2G network service is discontinued, Infiniti Connection and Infiniti Connection Plus services will not function unless equipment replacements, upgrades, or alternative 2G network coverage are available at that time, which neither Infiniti nor Sirius XM can guarantee. Infiniti and Sirius XM are not responsible for associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to 2G cellular network turndown (including equipment upgrades, if available, or roaming charges on alternative networks). Certain vehicle services, including Google® compatible services, provided by independent companies are not within Infiniti's or Sirius XM's control and are subject to change without notice or liability to Infiniti or Sirius XM and either of their affiliates and agents. Standard text rates and/or data usage may apply. Certain services require a PIN for activation. Terms and conditions of subscription agreement apply. See www.infiniticonnection.com for more information.

Horrible move, they probably figured that being a low volume vehicle that's due for a new generation that it won't be at much of a loss to them If this was some mainstream high volume model... the story would have been different.

More than likely.

Plus it depends how much of an issue they saw it to be with us, probably figured it wasn't anything much for us.

True. Haven't seen anyone complaining about it online, even when I asked a few QX80 owners what they think about their QX80's.

Unless you've come from vehicles and utilized OnStar services, it's not something you'd care about until you needed it.

Low grade hardware to this degree is not the kind of thing I'd expect from a 70K vehicle in 2015.

Same issue on the new 2016's.

I just bought a 2016 QX80 Limited with delivery still pending and got the same disclaimer. Also Infiniti reduced the complimentary time from 1 year to 6 months effective Jan 2016.

It will be interesting to see how they handle. For a vehicle that creeps to a $90,245 MSRP you would think they would make great strides to keep those customers coming.

On my Escalade when the system switched to digital; Cadillac offered me a one time upgrade of the whole unit for a $100 contribution ... which I felt was fair ... and consistent with a premium brand.

Does anyone know if this will impact access to Sirius XM? I don't really use Infiniti connection but I do have a two-year subscription to XM. Thanks!

Alex

It shouldn't affect Sirius since that typically uses it's own tuner hardware and antenna or is built into the radio.

Hello All,

New QX80 Limited owner here. Replaced a 2013 QX56 with a 2016 Hermosa Blue QX80 Limited last week. Pic of the new rig in the showroom included because it didn't happen if there aren't any pics. Look forward to sharing and learning from this forum.

On this topic, I also have a 2015 Q50 Hybrid and it has the same disclaimer on the end of the 2G system, so this is an issue across the board for Infiniti. In reality, the only thing I've found useful in my Q50 is the Google send to car, to send a destination to my car so I don't have to search for it in the navi interface. The Google send to car is better than the Infiniti Connection send to car, but Google isn't an option on the QX80. I'm hopeful that they figure out some solution before the end of the year but I don't expect that option to be free, unfortunately.

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Looks like Infiniti has a pending solution for the 2G transition which we will hear more about this summer. You can imagine the profit stream they derive from the Inifiniti connections so expected they would figure something out ... and looks like shared cost to upgrade system. Info sent from Infiniti:

We are contacting you with an important update regarding how upcoming cellular network changes will impact your access to Infiniti Connection features in your 2016 Infiniti QX80. Depending upon your interest, this update may require you to take some action.

The Infiniti Connection features available on your vehicle will be affected by the planned discontinuation of the 2G cellular network by our service provider, AT&T. Specifically, after December 31, 2016, the 2G network will no longer be available and your vehicle will be unable to access Infiniti Connection features unless the telematics hardware in your vehicle is updated.

If you have not already enrolled, but are interested in doing so, please enroll as soon as possible - you must enroll in Infiniti Connection before June 30, 2016 to activate the service for utilization on the 2G network through December 31, 2016.**

If you choose to continue to subscribe to Infiniti Connection after the 2G network becomes unavailable, you will need to have the TCU in your vehicle updated to access the service. Infiniti plans to cover a substantial portion of the parts and labor costs to install the updated hardware. Infiniti expects to be able to communicate the details regarding the options to update your vehicle with the new hardware in late summer 2016.

Infiniti Connection provides a suite of convenience and concierge services that can help make your drive time more productive, convenient and secure with features such as Emergency Calling and Automatic Collision Notification. Other great features available include Remote Door Lock, Destination Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Locator.

Infiniti Connection helps keep you connected and provides peace of mind. Infiniti is committed to working with you to make this transition as seamless as possible. We look forward to staying connected with you through Infiniti Connection. If you have any questions, please contact us at 855-444-7244 or view frequently asked questions (FAQ) at InfinitiUSA.com/intouch/faq.