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They couldn't use the app on their phone that relies on making API calls which then trigger additional network calls from Tesla to the car

This is different from Phone Keys that rely on Bluetooth or NFC and don't go over the network

This only affected pre-BLE models when the owner did not have the key. It's no worse than when an ICE vehicle owner loses their key; it's just that typically with a Tesla, you can start it from the app in that situation.

I can assure you that Teslas operate and start just fine in areas with no cell coverage.