Chrysler to roll out in-car Wi-Fi service later this month

Drivers and lawmakers are still applauding the enactment of hands-free and texting laws in some states, but little do they know about Chrysler's plans to introduce a new service that gives car owners access to the Internet. You might remember the mention of UConnect on this blog a few months ago. Well, it turns out August 25th is the day new Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles turn into moving hot spots with the help of Autonet Mobile devices.

According to Twice.com, the Mopar car cellular/Wi-Fi hot spot will be an option on all new 2009 Chrysler vehicles coming out later this month, but don't sweat it if you just bought a car. Apparently, earlier-year models can still buy the pricey $499 router and have it installed in their vehicles for $30-$50. Unfortunately, that's on top of a hefty $35 activation fee and $29 monthly subscription fee to get the service going.

Twice says the router is installed in the trunk and hardwired to the car's electrical system, while an antenna is mounted on the vehicle in order to serve up a wireless signal that expands up to 100 feet.The encrypted connection will then deliver downloads speeds of up to 800 Kbps so passengers surf the Web on their laptops, netbooks, gaming devices or phones.

You know, this all sounds great, but sadly it comes at a time when people are driving less to save money on gas. I doubt having Internet access in the car will get people on the road again, but maybe Autonet should work with more cities to get Wi-Fi on public transportation.

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Chrysler to offer Wi-Fi access in 2009 vehicles