They really probably aren't going to get lifetime updates to their modem's closed-source firmware. They can't even get timely updates to their modem's closed-source firmware.

It's great that the OS is open source, it really is. But all bits going out over the cellular radio are handled by proprietary firmware, same as every other phone out there.

Educate me: Is there a way to know when the modem's firmware needs updating? When was the last update shipped?

I never claimed the lifetime updates for the modem, did I?

> Educate me: Is there a way to know when the modem's firmware needs updating? When was the last update shipped?

If you have any problems with calls, you probably need an update. Otherwise you probably don't. It's that easy.