The concept of a connected car has rapidly evolved, and with it, the demand for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. One device that once aimed to bridge this gap was the AT&T Spark by Harman. Plugging directly into your car’s OBD-II port, the Spark promised to transform your vehicle into a mobile hotspot. But in today’s fast-paced tech landscape, especially as we move further into 2024, is the AT&T OBD2 hotspot, specifically the Harman Spark, still a relevant solution? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review, examining its features, limitations, and more importantly, explore if there are better alternatives for your connected car needs.
Understanding the AT&T OBD2 Hotspot: Harman Spark
The Harman Spark, offered by AT&T, was designed as a “connected car” device. Its primary function was to create a Wi-Fi hotspot within your vehicle by simply plugging into the OBD-II (on-board diagnostics II) port. This port is standard in most cars manufactured from 1996 onwards and is typically used for vehicle diagnostics. The beauty of the Spark was its simplicity: once plugged in and the ignition turned on, it automatically established a Wi-Fi network, capable of supporting up to 8 devices.
Beyond just Wi-Fi, the Harman Spark also offered telematics features. This included services like emergency assistance, fleet management capabilities for businesses, vehicle theft tracking, and general vehicle monitoring. For vehicles lacking built-in connected car systems like OnStar, the Spark provided a straightforward aftermarket solution to bring these functionalities, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, into older models.
However, it’s crucial to note that the AT&T Harman Spark is no longer actively sold or supported by AT&T. It’s considered a discontinued or obsolete product. While existing users may still find it functional, it’s generally not recommended as a new purchase or upgrade in today’s market.
This image indicates the obsolete status of the AT&T Harman Spark OBD2 hotspot, advising users to consider modern alternatives for connected car Wi-Fi.
Harman Spark: Features and Specifications
Despite its discontinued status, understanding the specifications of the Harman Spark provides context when evaluating modern AT&T OBD2 hotspot alternatives. Here’s a look at its key features:
Key Specifications of Harman Spark:
- Model Numbers:
- HSA-15UA-AA (Original version)
- HAS-15UA-BR (Later version with Band 14 support)
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Supports up to 8 devices via Wi-Fi.
- Network Compatibility: 4G/LTE Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 (Band 14 added in the later version for FirstNet).
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Not supported.
- MIMO Support: 2×2 Internal MIMO.
- LTE Category: Cat 4 (Maximum download speed of 150 Mbps, upload speed of 50 Mbps).
- Antenna Ports: None (internal antennas only).
- Ports: OBD-II port for vehicle connection.
- Wi-Fi Technology: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) on the 2.4 GHz band.
- Battery: None – powered directly by the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
- Dimensions: 2.95″ x 2.06″ x 1.13″, 3oz weight.
- SIM Card Type: Micro SIM.
It’s important to highlight that the Harman Spark lacked advanced features like 5G support or the latest Wi-Fi standards. Its reliance on older LTE Cat 4 technology also limited its potential speeds compared to modern mobile hotspots.
Why the Harman Spark AT&T OBD2 Hotspot is No Longer Recommended
Several factors contribute to why the Harman Spark is no longer a recommended AT&T OBD2 hotspot solution:
- Discontinuation: As explicitly stated, the product is discontinued. This means no ongoing software updates, potential security patches, or official support from AT&T or Harman.
- Technological Limitations: Being a Cat 4 LTE device with Wi-Fi 4, it’s significantly behind current mobile hotspot technology. Modern devices offer faster speeds with carrier aggregation, higher LTE categories, and 5G connectivity.
- Usage Restrictions: Unlike some other mobile hotspots, the Spark had specific terms of service limiting its use to vehicles only. AT&T reserved the right to terminate accounts if used outside of a vehicle. Additionally, the Wi-Fi hotspot would automatically shut off after 30 minutes of the vehicle not being in motion – a significant limitation for many users.
- Data Plan Changes: While initially, AT&T offered a $30/month unlimited data plan for the Spark, this plan was discontinued as of June 2020. Current data plans might be less attractive compared to options available for general mobile hotspots or other connected car solutions.
These limitations make the Harman Spark less appealing compared to contemporary options that offer better performance, more flexibility, and ongoing support.
Exploring Alternatives to the AT&T OBD2 Hotspot
Given the Harman Spark’s obsolescence, users seeking in-car Wi-Fi and potentially telematics features should explore modern alternatives. While dedicated OBD2 hotspot devices are not as common in the current market, primarily due to the rise of built-in car connectivity and standard mobile hotspots, there are still viable paths to achieve in-vehicle internet access.
Consider these alternatives:
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Standard Mobile Hotspots: Traditional mobile hotspots, often referred to as MiFis or Jetpacks, offer a more versatile solution. Devices like the Netgear Nighthawk series, Inseego MiFi devices, or even hotspots from brands like Orbic and TCL, provide robust Wi-Fi connectivity and often support the latest 5G and LTE technologies. While they don’t plug into the OBD-II port, they offer battery-powered operation, meaning they can be used in and out of the vehicle.
Featured alternative: The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro 5G Mobile Hotspot, a modern option providing high-speed connectivity for in-car and portable use, surpassing the capabilities of the discontinued AT&T OBD2 hotspot.
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Smartphone Hotspot Feature: Most modern smartphones have a built-in mobile hotspot feature. While it might drain your phone’s battery faster, it’s a readily available option for occasional in-car Wi-Fi needs.
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Dedicated Connected Car Services: Newer vehicles often come with built-in connected car services, sometimes including Wi-Fi hotspots. If you have a newer car, check if it offers this feature as part of a subscription package.
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Aftermarket Telematics and Hotspot Devices: While OBD2 hotspots like the Spark are less common, some aftermarket telematics devices might still offer hotspot functionality alongside vehicle tracking and monitoring. Research current offerings from reputable automotive tech brands.
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USB Cellular Modems with Car Power Adapters: For more tech-savvy users, combining a USB cellular modem with a car USB power adapter and a portable Wi-Fi router could be another approach to create a dedicated in-car hotspot.
Another alternative mobile hotspot: The Orbic Speed 5G Hotspot, offering fast 5G speeds and portability, representing a significant upgrade over the outdated AT&T OBD2 hotspot.
Choosing the Right Mobile Hotspot for Your Car in 2024
When selecting a mobile hotspot for your car in 2024, whether you’re considering standard hotspots or exploring other options, keep these factors in mind:
- Data Needs: Determine how much data you anticipate needing for in-car Wi-Fi. This will influence the data plan you choose and potentially the type of device.
- Coverage and Speed: Consider the cellular network coverage in your typical driving areas. Opt for devices and plans that offer strong coverage and fast speeds (ideally 5G or advanced LTE).
- Number of Connected Devices: Ensure the hotspot can support the number of devices you plan to connect simultaneously.
- Portability vs. Vehicle Integration: Decide if you need a portable hotspot that can be used outside the car as well, or if you are strictly looking for an in-vehicle solution. OBD2 hotspots were designed for vehicle integration, while standard hotspots offer portability.
- Budget: Hotspot devices and data plans come at varying price points. Set a budget and compare options within your range.
- Features: Look for features like battery life (for portable hotspots), ease of use, security features, and compatibility with your desired cellular network.
Netgear Nighthawk M6/M6 Pro Mobile Hotspots: High-performance alternatives to the AT&T OBD2 hotspot, offering advanced features and faster speeds for demanding users.
Conclusion: Moving Beyond the Legacy AT&T OBD2 Hotspot
While the AT&T Harman Spark OBD2 hotspot was an innovative concept in its time, technology has moved forward. In 2024, it is no longer a practical recommendation for creating in-car Wi-Fi. Discontinued, technologically dated, and with usage restrictions, the Spark is outshone by modern mobile hotspots and other connected car solutions.
For users seeking reliable in-vehicle internet access, exploring standard mobile hotspots from Netgear, Inseego, Orbic, or TCL, or utilizing smartphone hotspot features, are far more effective and future-proof approaches. As the connected car ecosystem continues to evolve, focusing on current technology will provide a superior experience compared to relying on legacy devices like the AT&T OBD2 hotspot Harman Spark. Consider your data needs, coverage requirements, and desired features to select the best mobile internet solution for your vehicle in today’s connected world.
