Source? This sort of conspiracy started with "smart tvs will connect to open wifi networks", then evolved to "it uses amazon sidewalk", and apparently now morphed into "tvs have 5g modems". Given how poorly supported the prior claims were, that does not bode well for the 5G claim.

Every time the topic is TV on HN someone repeats this conspiracy or that "it'll happen soon!"...

This place like a flat-earther gathering sometimes.

You said 5G, not me

I agree that I misquoted you, but that's a distinction without a difference in this context. "SIM card and baseband radio inside" means 5G, 4G, 3G, whatever. I still demand that you produce proof that there are TVs with "SIM card and baseband radio inside".

I was curious so I did some research. These devices do seem to be being produced, currently mostly overseas. The inclusion of 5G support does not seem to be hidden or nefarious. They provide a SIM card slot just like your phone would. Some models are incorporating a built-in router to provide connectivity to other devices. It seems like the cellular companies are promoting these TV's too, with built in service.

My opinion is this is just a consolidation of devices. I have many friends who live off their phone data plan giving hotspot to the TV and other devices. Now being moved into a common device format, the TV. I don't think they can spy any more effectively this way. Eexcept via the router integration that gives them way more access, but I'm sure this exists already as a wifi feature on tvs. Just technology trudging along. Perhaps they have a secret sim card or esim embedded, that might be a risk as the hardware is already there for a valid reason.

Isn't that one of the marketed advantages of 5G. Lot of smart IoT devices including TVs being able to connect independently.

What we are lacking is implementation but the tech and probably the intent was always there. If HDMI ethernet connectivity(HEC) had gained traction, we would have seen a fire stick, apple tv or roku providing internet to your tv without asking for explicit consent.

Sounds obvious for TV manufacturers to do this if they plan to spy on you and sell ads you can't hide. Same with locking down firmware.

Cheaper to just use the wifi access that 99% of TVs will be given.

You mean they pay for data charges? Don't be stupid.

Data doesn't cost that much. They are buying in bulk for lower priority access. That is a very different cost from what you pay for your phone data.