Autonet in-car WiFi lets you bring the Internet with you

Posted Thu Feb 14 2008 3:47 PM by Nelson Ireson

Some auto makers and tuning houses have already enabled cars to have nearly always-on Internet connections. Some even come equipped with full in-car PC systems. But for those that didn't get the option from the factory and would like an easy drop-in addition, the Autonet Mobile WiFi Router is the answer.

Already providing Internet access in Avis' rental car fleet, the Autonet WiFi Router turns any equipped car into a rolling WiFi hotspot. Unfortunately you'll still need another device - such as a cell phone, PDA or laptop - capable of bringing the Internet into the car. But then anyone within WiFi range can use that connection just like at your local coffee shop, at home or at work.

Pricing for the drop-in unit is a bit curious: the router itself costs $595, but there is a $39 monthly access fee. Why, exactly one would pay to access their own router over their own - separately supplied - Internet connection, is a very good question, and one not answered by the company's materials.

Via: InsideLine

Reader Comments

Thu Feb 14 2008 5:50 PM
chris says

as an electrical engineer and a big electronics buff,.. i really dont see how this device would be fundamentally different from any other router. if you need to use it in conjunction with a cell phone... then it really is just like any other.
Fri Feb 15 2008 2:00 PM
Steve says

I think they're trying to say that you'll need one of those devices to access the service (they're telling us this as if we're a bunch of idiots I believe). They only other way of doing this that I can see is like using the sprint or other network w/ a modem router combo which is what this looks like. Still I'd rather do that than pay $40 exclusively for in-car internet.

MotorAuthority