It needs a mobile hotspot or other WiFi source. I ended up mounting a Sierra Wireless GX450 in my Jeep and added a Data Only line to my cell phone plan. There is no SIM card slot on it, only dual SD card slots. There is no established services on the head unit. The only tethering to a phone that it supports is Bluetooth (for phone calls only) and connecting to a phone's internet hotspot feature. Plugging the phone into one of the USB ports only supports chargin of the phone. Overall, the lack of phone connectivity (No Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) has really turned me off to the head unit. The best part for me is being able to download some Netflix movies to watch when I go campling and dont have cell phone service.