Network Practices
How does Ford manage congestion?
Ford strives to provide a high-quality internet experience for all customers. Because the internet consists of multiple interconnected networks and all internet endpoints (e.g., websites and other content providers) are not directly managed by Ford, Ford must rely on its Mobile Network Operator to provide the capability of uploading data to or downloading data from internet endpoints that are connected to those networks.
In addition, like the other networks that make up the internet, Ford’s Mobile Network Operator is a shared network, which means that the transmission links and other network resources used to provide broadband services are shared among the Mobile Network Operator’s subscribers. Temporary congestion may occur when a large number of customers in a concentrated area access the network at the same time or when some customers consume a very large amount of network capacity during busy periods, such as at stadium events, during peak usage times, or during planned network maintenance.
The links between Ford’s Mobile Network Operator and other networks used to exchange such traffic may become congested at times. Ford does not guarantee that it will establish or expand the connections between Ford’s Mobile Network Operator and other networks, or that subscribers will be able to upload data to or download data from internet endpoints connected to other networks at any particular speed.
To that end, network security and protocols are the responsibility of Ford’s Mobile Network Operator.
Buffer Tuning. With the growth in smartphone and tablet usage, and the growing prevalence of video downloads, Ford’s Mobile Network Operator has deployed a reasonable network management video optimization technique in the mobile data network. That technique delivers recorded video to the user's device in a "just in time" fashion ("Buffer Tuning"). Buffer Tuning only applies to internet browser traffic for recorded video downloads, regardless of the source, and does not affect real-time streaming video. With Buffer Tuning, a sufficient amount of video is delivered to the device so that the user can start viewing the video, and the remainder of the video is delivered just in time to the device as needed for uninterrupted viewing. This optimizes the user's data plan consumption. Additionally, this frees up network resources for all users. Buffer Tuning does not alter video content and should not directly introduce any adverse impact to the viewing experience.
Does Ford directly or indirectly favor some traffic over other traffic (such as through prioritization, resource reservation, or traffic shaping) in its provision of broadband Internet access service either (1) in exchange for consideration, monetary or otherwise, or (2) to benefit an affiliate?
No, in its provision of broadband internet access services, Ford does not directly or indirectly favor some traffic over other traffic in exchange for consideration from a third party or to benefit an affiliate.
Does Ford slow data speeds or limit data usage?
Ford may temporarily slow data speeds if such data usage reaches or exceeds 50GB within a billing cycle; or due to network limitations.
If a customer uses more than 50% of their data usage in a roaming country during a 60-day period, Ford may remove or limit the customer’s data plan.
Does Ford favor certain websites or internet applications by blocking, throttling, or modifying particular protocols on its broadband internet access service?
No, Ford does not favor certain websites or internet applications by blocking or throttling internet traffic. However, Ford’s Mobile Network Operator is responsible for network security, and may limit or restrict the flow of traffic from certain locations to prevent unlawful or harmful content.
What factors affect the performance of my broadband internet access service?
Ford offers a Connected experience which allows the customer internet access through its Mobile Network Operator. Since this is a shared network, the Mobile Network Operator offers many broadband internet access service options, which may affect the Ford Connected capability speed. The term speed is commonly used as a shorthand way to describe the capacity at which a particular broadband internet access service can transmit data. This capacity is typically measured in the number of kilobits, megabits or gigabits that can be transmitted in one second (Kbps, Mbps or Gbps). Some applications, like a short email without attachments or basic web browsing, do not require high service capability speeds to function optimally. Other activities, like transferring large data files, can be performed faster with higher-speed services. Your service capability speed may not be suitable for some applications, particularly those involving real-time or near real-time, high-bandwidth uses such as streaming 4K video or video conferencing.
Because service performance varies on an end-to-end basis, Ford’s Mobile Network Operator’s service capability speeds are limited to, and measured between, your location and a point on the network, which constitutes only one segment of the end-to-end transmission path connecting your location to internet websites or content providers. End-to-end performance of your service depends on a variety of factors, including: the number of subscribers simultaneously using the network; customer location; destination and traffic on the internet; interference with high-frequency spectrum on your device; the capacity or performance of your devices or modem; the server with which you are communicating; internal network management factors (including overhead, which refers to the various control and signaling data required to achieve the reliable transmission of internet access data); and the networks you and others are using when communicating.
These services may rely on class of service, scheduler weighting or other related network management practices to ensure that services sharing network resources are able to meet their relevant service requirements (“Class of Service Management”). Use of services with Class of Service Management may affect the availability of network resources for the other broadband internet access services that share network resources and thus may impact service performance. For example, your service may be interrupted, delayed, or otherwise limited in the event of a disaster or emergency or during periods of congestion to accommodate the needs of national security and emergency.
In addition, although Ford’s Mobile Network Operator accommodates all users and user types based on a variety of factors, including average and anticipated peak usage of the network, many factors cannot be anticipated or are outside of Mobile Network Operator’s control. These factors can impact the availability of network resources for broadband internet access services at any particular time. Consequently, Ford does not guarantee the performance of your service on an end-to-end basis.
Service performance may be affected by your proximity to a cell site, the capacity of the cell site, the technology at the cell site, the number of other users connected to the same cell site and the services they are using, the surrounding terrain, use inside a building or a moving vehicle, radio frequency interference, your mobile data plan, the capabilities of your device, applicable network management practices as discussed on this page, and the applications you use. In areas not served by Ford’s Mobile Network Operator networks, customers may be able to access data via "roaming" on another carrier’s network as Ford and its Mobile Network Operator have agreements with other wireless carriers. This off-network (or off-net) partner coverage roaming service and service quality is not guaranteed. Ford may reduce roaming data speeds or suspend service entirely at any time without notice.
Where can I find information about the performance of my broadband internet access service?
Because many different factors can affect the performance of your broadband internet access service, Ford does not guarantee specific performance levels (such as of speed or latency) for broadband internet access services. The performance you can expect to receive from the broadband internet access we offer is described below.
Speed
- In some instances, Ford’s Mobile Network Operator broadband internet access services limit access to certain network technologies or impose a maximum speed limit, subject to the factors described above that can affect the services performance and the network management practices discussed above.
Ford provides access to all available network technologies and provides customers with the highest speed available from the network at a particular location and at a given point of time based on the capabilities of the customer's device, subject to the factors and network management practices discussed above.
-In no case does Ford guarantee particular minimum speeds for its broadband internet access services. Speeds available are affected by many different factors that can impact wireless network performance as discussed above. Based on data compiled by Ford’s Mobile Network Operator through crowd-sourced speed tests, Ford expects customers will typically experience the following speeds, subject to location, device, and other factors as discussed above.
-The range reported is based on the 25th to the 75th percentile, which means that the 25th percentile lower bound is the value below which 25% of the test readings were, and the 75th percentile upper bound is the value below which 75% of the test readings were):
Technology |
Download Range (in Mbps) |
Upload Range (in Mbps) |
4G LTE |
12-78 |
1-12 |
5G |
53-304 |
3-22 |
Latency
Latency, also known as delay, is the amount of time from when a data packet is sent by a user over the network to when a response back to the user is received. For broadband internet access services, latency is usually expressed as the round-trip time in milliseconds (ms) that it takes for a data packet to travel between two endpoints on the internet (from point A to point B and then back to point A). Some applications, such as email, can tolerate a substantial amount of latency without any noticeable impact on the application's performance. Other applications, such as real-time video conferencing, require lower latency levels to function properly. End-to-end latency reflects the cumulative effect of the individual latencies that occur along the end-to-end network path.
Although latencies can vary due to several factors, including some beyond the control of Ford’s Mobile Network Operator, broadband internet access service customers can typically expect the following round-trip latencies when accessing the internet:
- Based on data compiled by Ford’s Mobile Network Operator through crowd-sourced performance tests that measure latency to the closest geographical server to the customer, Ford expects customers will typically experience the following latency, subject to location, device, and other factors as discussed above (the range reported is based on the 25th to the 75th percentile, which means that the 25th percentile lower bound is the value below which 25% of the test readings were, and the 75th percentile upper bound is the value below which 75% of the test readings were):
Technology |
Latency Range in milliseconds |
4G LTE |
29-52 |
5G |
26-45 |
Does Ford restrict the types of devices that customers can use with its broadband internet access service?
Customers of our mobile services may attach 4G- and 5G-capable devices of their choice to our mobile broadband internet access services, so long as the devices are FCC-approved, compatible with the technology used in our mobile network, eligible on the customer’s plan, and do not harm our network or other users. Devices must also be used in a manner consistent with Ford Connectivity Package terms and conditions and Acceptable Use Policy.
Acceptable Use Policy
Ford is at all times committed to complying with the laws and regulations governing the use of the Internet e-mail transmission and text messaging and preserving for its customers the ability to use Ford’s service and the Internet without interference or harassment from other users. The Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") is designed to help achieve these goals.
By using IP Service(s), as defined below, Customer(s) agrees to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy and to remain responsible for its users. Ford reserves the right to change or modify the terms of the AUP at any time. Customer's use of the IP Service(s) after changes to the AUP are posted shall constitute acceptance of any changed or additional terms.
Scope of the AUP
The AUP applies to the Ford services that provide (or include) access to the Internet or are provided over the Internet or wireless data networks (collectively "IP Services").
Prohibited Activities
General Prohibitions:
Ford prohibits use of the IP Services in any way that is unlawful, harmful to or interferes with use of the network or systems, interferes with the use or enjoyment of services received by others, infringes intellectual property rights, results in the publication of threatening or offensive material, or constitutes Spam/E-mail/Usenet abuse, a security risk or a violation of privacy.
Failure to adhere to the rules, guidelines or agreements applicable to search engines, subscription Web services, chat areas, bulletin boards, Web pages, USENET, applications, or other services that are accessed via a link from the Ford-branded website or from a website that contains Ford-branded content is a violation of this AUP.
Unlawful Activities:
IP Services shall not be used in connection with any criminal, civil, or administrative violation of any applicable local, state, provincial, federal, national, or international law, treaty, court order, ordinance, regulation or administrative rule.
Violation of Intellectual Property Rights:
IP Service(s) shall not be used to publish, submit/receive, upload/download, post, use, copy or otherwise reproduce, transmit, re-transmit, distribute or store any content/material or to engage in any activity that infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates the intellectual property rights or privacy or publicity rights of Ford or any individual, group or entity, including but not limited to any rights protected by any copyright, patent, trademark laws, trade secret, trade dress, right of privacy, right of publicity, moral rights or other intellectual property right now known or later recognized by statute, judicial decision or regulation.
Threatening Material or Content:
IP Services shall not be used to host, post, transmit, or re-transmit any content or material (or to create a domain name or operate from a domain name), that harasses, or threatens the health or safety of others.
Inappropriate Interaction with Minors:
Ford complies with all applicable laws pertaining to the protection of minors, including when appropriate, reporting cases of child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Child Pornography:
IP Services shall not be used to publish, submit/receive, upload/download, post, use, copy or otherwise produce, transmit, distribute or store child pornography. Ford will report any discovered violation of this prohibition to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Spam/E-mail/Usenet Abuse:
Violation of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003, or any other applicable law regulating e-mail services, constitutes a violation of this AUP.
Spam/E-mail or Usenet abuse is prohibited using IP Services. Examples of Spam/E-mail or Usenet abuse include but are not limited to the following activities:
- sending multiple unsolicited electronic mail messages or "mail-bombing" – to one or more recipients;
- sending unsolicited commercial e-mail, or unsolicited electronic messages directed primarily at the advertising or promotion of products or services;
- sending unsolicited electronic messages with petitions for signatures or requests for charitable donations, or sending any chain mail-related materials;
- sending bulk electronic messages without identifying, within the message, a reasonable means of opting out from receiving additional messages from the sender;
- sending electronic messages, files or other transmissions that exceed contracted for capacity or that create the potential for disruption of the network, by virtue of quantity, size or otherwise;
- using another site's mail server to relay mail without the express permission of that site;
- using another computer, without authorization, to send multiple e-mail messages or to retransmit e-mail messages for the purpose of misleading recipients as to the origin or to conduct any of the activities prohibited by this AUP;
- using IP addresses that the Customer does not have a right to use;
- collecting the responses from unsolicited electronic messages;
- maintaining a site that is advertised via unsolicited electronic messages, regardless of the origin of the unsolicited electronic messages;
- sending messages that are harassing or malicious, or otherwise could reasonably be predicted to interfere with another party's quiet enjoyment of the IP Services or the Internet (e.g., through language, frequency, size or otherwise);
- using distribution lists containing addresses that include those who have opted out;
- sending electronic messages that do not accurately identify the sender, the sender's return address, the e-mail address of origin, or other information contained in the subject line or header;
- falsifying packet header, sender, or user information whether in whole or in part to mask the identity of the sender, originator or point of origin;
- using redirect links in unsolicited commercial e-mail to advertise a website or service;
- posting a message to more than ten (10) online forums or newsgroups, that could reasonably be expected to generate complaints;
- intercepting, redirecting or otherwise interfering or attempting to interfere with e-mail intended for third parties;
- knowingly deleting any author attributions, legal notices or proprietary designations or labels in a file that the user mails or sends;
- using, distributing, advertising, transmitting, or otherwise making available any software program, product, or service that is designed to violate this AUP or the AUP of any other Internet Service Provider, including, but not limited to, the facilitation of the means to spam.
Security Violations
Customers are responsible for ensuring and maintaining security of their systems and the machines that connect to and use IP Service(s), including implementation of necessary patches and operating system updates.
IP Services may not be used to interfere with, gain unauthorized access to, or otherwise violate the security of Ford’s (or another party's) server, network, network access, personal computer or control devices, software or data, or other system, or to attempt to do any of the foregoing. Examples of system or network security violations include but are not limited to:
- unauthorized monitoring, scanning or probing of network or system or any other action aimed at the unauthorized interception of data or harvesting of e-mail addresses;
- hacking, attacking, gaining access to, breaching, circumventing or testing the vulnerability of the user authentication or security of any host, network, server, personal computer, network access and control devices, software or data without express authorization of the owner of the system or network;
- impersonating others or secretly or deceptively obtaining personal information of third parties (phishing, etc.);
- using any program, file, script, command or transmission of any message or content of any kind, designed to interfere with a terminal session, the access to or use of the Internet or any other means of communication;
- distributing or using tools designed to compromise security (including but not limited to SNMP tools), including cracking tools, password guessing programs, packet sniffers or network probing tools (except in the case of authorized legitimate network security operations);
- knowingly uploading or distributing files that contain viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, time bombs, cancelbots, corrupted files, rootkits or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer, network system or other property, or be used to engage in modem or system hijacking;
- engaging in the transmission of pirated software;
- using manual or automated means to avoid any use limitations placed on the IP Services;
- providing guidance, information or assistance with respect to causing damage or security breach to the network or systems of Ford’s Mobile Network Operator, or to the network of any other IP Service provider;
- failure to take reasonable security precautions to help prevent violation(s) of this AUP.
Customer Responsibilities
Customers remain solely and fully responsible for the content of any material posted, hosted, downloaded/uploaded, created, accessed or transmitted using the IP Services. Ford has no responsibility for any material created on the Mobile Network Operator’s network or accessible using IP Services, including content provided on third-party websites linked to the network. Such third-party website links are provided as Internet navigation tools for informational purposes only, and do not constitute in any way an endorsement by Ford of the content(s) of such sites.
Customers are responsible for taking prompt corrective action(s) to remedy a violation of AUP and to help prevent similar future violations.
AUP Enforcement and Notice
Customer's failure to observe the guidelines set forth in this AUP may result in Ford taking actions anywhere from a warning to a suspension or termination of Customer's IP Services.
Ford reserves the right to act immediately and without notice to suspend or terminate affected IP Services in response to a court order or government notice that certain conduct must be stopped, or when Ford reasonably determines that the Customer's use of the affected IP Services may: (1) expose Ford to sanctions, prosecution, civil action or any other liability; (2) cause harm to or interfere with the integrity or normal operations of network or networks with which Ford’s Mobile Network Operator is interconnected; (3) interfere with another Ford Customer's use of IP Services or the Internet; (4) violate any applicable law, rule or regulation; or (5) otherwise present an imminent risk of harm to Ford or Ford’s Customers.
Copyright Infringement & Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Ford respects the intellectual property rights of others. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (the "DMCA" found at 17 U.S.C. § 512) provides that owners of copyrighted works who believe that their rights under U.S. copyright law have been infringed may report alleged infringements to service providers like Ford. In accordance with the DMCA and other applicable laws, Ford maintains a policy that provides for the termination of IP Services, under appropriate circumstances, if Customers are found to be a repeat infringer and/or if Customers' IP Services are used repeatedly for infringement (the "Repeat Infringer Policy"). Ford may terminate IP Services at any time with or without notice to Customers.
Ford has no obligation to investigate possible copyright infringements with respect to materials transmitted by Customer or any other users of the IP Services. However, Ford will process valid notifications of claimed infringement under the DMCA, and continued receipt of infringement notifications for Customer's account will be used as a factor in determining whether Customer is a repeat infringer. In addition, Ford may voluntarily participate, on terms acceptable to Ford, in copyright alert and graduated response programs.
Incident Reporting
Any complaints regarding violation of this AUP by Ford Customer (or its user) should contact Ford (see below, in the section “How to Contact Us”). Where possible, include details that would assist Ford in investigating and resolving such complaint (e.g., expanded headers, IP address(s), a copy of the offending transmission and any log files).
How to Contact Us
If you have a concern, complaint, or question for Ford, please contact us at:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48126
Telephone
800-232-5952 (TDD for the hearing impaired)
Available M-F 8:00 am - 11:00 pm EST
Available Sat. 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST