These types of devices are increasingly leveraging mesh networks to connect to the internet even if they're aren't explicitly connected by the owner. Simply not connecting your device to the internet isn't as reliable as it once was.
There's no evidence of Smart TVs connecting in this way.
I've heard of this but I've never actually seen this in person. A google, ddg, and even a leddit search doesn't bring up anything.
> , Sidewalk can help simplify new device setup, extend the low-bandwidth working range of devices to help find pets or valuables with Tile trackers, and help devices stay online even if they are outside the range of their home wifi.
https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Sidewalk/b?ie=UTF8&node=213281...
Also, the LoRa bandwidth is shared. It isn't 50 kbps per device but everybody within a mile or two. Also, the 50 kbps rate has a pretty short range. The normal, long range LoRa bandwidth is more like 5 kbps.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Sidewalk/b?ie=UTF8&node=213281...
[2] https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/amazon-ces-2023-ann...
The only other options are cellular, which manufacturer is not going to pay for a modem and service, or LoRa, which is way too low bandwidth for leaking any data.
It doesn't have data price but is capped 500MB per account per month.