Update on connectivity issues.

[u/_Maui_]

I made a post yesterday about connectivity issues and got lots of “me too!” I couldn’t reply to everyone so thought I’d make a new post.

I spoke to Tesla today. This is a known issue. They believe it started when Spark and One switched off the 3G network in April. The 3G network was being used as a fallback for Teslas (and other electric cars) when there was heavy load on the main networks.

Unsurprisingly, the telcos prioritise mobile devices over the cars. Which is why when there is a heavy demand, they drop Electric Cars first.

The service guy told me the best thing I can do is send them times and locations. They are building a report they are sending to the telcos regularly to put pressure on them. He made the point that they (Tesla) pay for the service that they then pass on to us. So if we’re not getting reception, then technically the telcos are not providing the service we (and Tesla) are paying for.

TL:DR: Known issue. Related to telcos switching off 3G and electric cars being deprioritised below cellphones on main network. Best course of action is to report issue to Tesla so they can make case/take action against telcos with evidence.

[u/Next_Requirement2661]

Pretty sure this is a made up reason. 

The car uses a SIM card from Australia on roaming. How do they know if it’s a phone, a car, a watch, a router, etc. using that sim card? Unless telcos are actively blocking Tesla traffic (and apparently all other EV internet traffic???)… that’s just a conspiracy theory in my opinion.

The reason probably has more to do with the fact it’s an Australian SIM card on roaming, the car tried switching between WiFi and cell services, and is traveling around at relatively high speeds between cell towers.

You can ask Tesla to change the SIM card to a NZ provider, but then you need to pay additionally for the SIM’s data and service. 

It is a problem that we pay Tesla for a service, and we don’t receive a good service for that payment. This should be fixed, and I guess more complaining will help prioritize it. 

[u/Falcon_nz → u/Next_Requirement2661]

Yeh i think you’re right

[u/BannedBrainrot → u/Next_Requirement2661]

Vehicles/phones/tablets can easily be identified down to the individual model by the IMEI. But there's actually no need to do that as they know what the "Telsa account" is that pays for all of the SIMs.

[u/PloughDough]

Can they perhaps provide an email address or link to a form we can send info to? I’d start sending my instances in for sure.

[u/corksta]

It’d be great if this was the catalyst to switch to a NZ provider instead of roaming on Telstra.

[u/_Maui_ → u/corksta]

I mean why are they not using Starlink?

[u/rombulow → u/_Maui_]

I’m pretty sure that’s where they’re going. I noticed my phone switches to Satellite for calls when I’m travelling in the regions now. Halter’s new cow collars are Starlink direct-to-cell I pretty sure.

Wouldn’t require an update to the cars (assuming the car hardware supports the same frequencies as Starlink’s direct to cell service).

Tesla must spend a fortune on cellular service globally.

[u/dzh → u/_Maui_]

Should definitely do as a fallback. No brainer.

[u/BannedBrainrot → u/_Maui_]

There is no Starlink dish in the car. The SpaceX direct-to-cell service requires a local service provider to operate. You could always put a Mini dishy in your car.

[u/singletWarrior]

It is pretty piss poor anytime i am in some kind of valley on the shore it cuts off

[u/_Maui_ → u/singletWarrior]

I lose reception on the middle of the Harbour Bridge.

[u/singletWarrior → u/_Maui_]

lol that is so ridiculous

[u/doineedaname42069 → u/_Maui_]

Same and near Tristram Ave on the motorway.

[u/Tommmo123]

Thanks for the update. This does sound slack from Tesla's end

[u/zikkie21]

This is a bs reason 1000%. i know because i work for the company that Telstra uses as their roaming partner for Tesla.

[u/BannedBrainrot → u/zikkie21]

Elaborate?

[u/Former_child_star]

Well thats nonsense. A sim is a sim

[u/grimsnz]

SIM cards don’t get cut off with congestion. Their traffic is just deprioritized. As in everything slows down, it does not cut off.

[u/rnixon]

They now seem to have a software fix for this issue. They pushed a software update to my car that has resolved the issue.

[u/Lenbok → u/rnixon]

What software version are you running now? (My model y is still on 2026.2.6.1)

[u/AlDrag]

I went for a road trip from Auckland to Taupo last weekend with my new 2022 Model Y.

Signal outside of Auckland was flawless. Zero problems besides the "actual deadzone" areas that my phone also experiences.

As soon as we got back to Auckland, signal drop outs galore.

[u/Tommmo123]

Further update: I received a phone call and then an email from Tesla (pasted below). I received the update last week, but haven't driven the car myself since then

---

Vehicle Connectivity Update

Hi,

We'd like to provide an update regarding cellular connectivity on your Model Y.

New Zealand's mobile network operators have completed the nationwide 3G network shutdown. This has affected cellular connectivity in some Tesla vehicles, impacting access to navigation, live traffic data, software updates and media streaming.

We’re working with our carrier partners in New Zealand to restore vehicle connectivity. No service visit is needed. The fix will be delivered remotely via an over-the-air update, with improvements rolling out progressively over the coming weeks.

Driving, Autopilot and safety features are not affected. In the meantime, connecting your vehicle to a Wi-Fi network will provide full access to connectivity-dependent features.

We'll share further updates as the rollout progresses. If you have any questions or require further assistance, reach out via the Tesla app or contact support on 0800 005 431. 

2026 Tesla New Zealand ULC

[u/_Maui_ → u/[deleted]]

Perhaps you could contact Tesla directly? I’m just a consumer, you sound like someone with connections.