So I just got off an online chat session with Nissan USA... a couple of interesting points highlighted below. However, in the end I had him set me up on the Owners Portal anyway and we'll see what happens. I'm going ahead with the upgrade anyway... might be money wasted, but one thing is for certain... and thats the 2g hardware seems to be useless now.
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:47:58): Thank you for contacting Nissan LEAF Aftersales, my name is Joseph. How may I help you today?
Me (09/02/2017, 14:48:53): Hi, was just transferred to you... I have purchased a 2013 Leaf... I'm importing it into Canada. My TCU is being upgraded tomorrow to the new 3G version, but I need to make sure I am properly registered for it ... how do I do that?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:49:49): Are you trying to use CARWINGS ,and is this an american LEAF?
Me (09/02/2017, 14:50:19): I will be yes... Car is American, and arrives tomorrow, but is having the TCU update done in the US. Car will live in Canada...
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:51:25): Unfortunately since the vehicle is from America it can only connect to American networks therefore CARWINGS will not work in Canada.
Me (09/02/2017, 14:52:23): It roams to Rogers here in Canada. I know others with imported American Leafs, no issues.... well, no issues until the 2G was switched off... but presumably will still roam to Rogers on 3G once upgraded?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:53:24): The 3G unit is only made for AT&T it will not Roam Rodgers.
Me (09/02/2017, 14:54:00): Oh really, so that is new with the 3G upgrade? No more roaming?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:55:05): This is not a new feature the 2G units should also have not have roaming for Rodgers either.
Me (09/02/2017, 14:56:09): Ok, so my VIN is being officially "exported" from the USA and imported into Canada... so it's now a Canadian vehicle. How do I get it into the Canadian Carwings systems then?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:58:20): You can't because it was manufactured for the US systems.
Joseph (09/02/2017, 14:59:04): You will have to make an american owners portal account but even then it is not guaranteed to work becuase you are in Canada.
Me (09/02/2017, 14:59:36): Ok, worth a try. I do have an American mailing address. Can I do that online or do you need to do it?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:00:01): You can do it online or I can help with it, whichever works for you.
Me (09/02/2017, 15:00:17): Might be best if you assist me. Do you need proof of ownership? Bill of Sale etc?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:00:32): I would be more than happy to assist you with this today. I see that you’ve already provided some of your information through our chat form for me. For documentation purposes and to better assist you, could you also provide me with your email, mailing address, phone number, and VIN?
Me (09/02/2017, 15:01:05): One moment, I'll put it together and paste it in here.
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:01:15): Okay take your time.
Me (09/02/2017, 15:03:20): (Provided my details here...)
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:04:06): Thank you very much Tyson give me one moment.
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:10:59): Okay Tyson I created the account for you. Your username is your email and your password for right now is ******.
Me (09/02/2017, 15:11:16): Ok, great. I can see I've got an e-mail from the site already...
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:11:27): Your password can be changed at any point.
Me (09/02/2017, 15:12:14): Ok, logged in. So now I just add my vehicle and all should be good? Would it be best to wait for the new 3g TCU to be installed before going further?
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:12:29): Yes that is the best course of action.
Me (09/02/2017, 15:12:43): ok. Great, thanks for your help today.
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:13:14): You are very welcome Tyson is there anything else i can help with?
Me (09/02/2017, 15:13:30): Not today thanks. We'll see about tomorrow
Joseph (09/02/2017, 15:13:51): You're welcome! In order to improve our live chat experience for every customer, you’ll receive a survey about your experience with me, as your live chat representative. I would appreciate you taking the time to complete it and add any comments you would like to share with us. If you would like to do so, please click on the End Chat button on the right hand side. Thank you again for chatting with Nissan and have a great day!