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I'm pretty sure that if you did that, rather than being able to print without a subscription, you'd be unable to print even with a subscription.

At least you'd know right away so you have time to return the printer and buy another brand.

This is until 5G becomes so ubiquitous that manufactures start including connectivity chips in all their devices so they don't have to rely on you connecting to the internet <:{o

That's where the tinfoil-lined house with firewalled Wi-Fi comes into its own.

Why couldn't they do that with 4G

The network couldn't handle that many devices

If the printer has Wi-Fi, then all that really needs to happen is a business agreement with Amazon Sidewalk or Xfinity WiFi and a software update. If that happens, then lots of those offline printers could be online overnight.

Nothing a bit of tinfoil around the 5G module couldn't fix.

at least until they learn how to program a 'timer'

Maybe one day they may connect to internet by other neighbor devices like Amazon Sidewalk:

https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazon-echo-shares-your...