Super highway information: in-car Internet arrives

It was only a matter of time before in-car Internet went mainstream. Over the past couple of weeks, Avis has begun to roll out its in-car Wi-Fi service, which allows drivers to turn their rental cars into mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. The service, called Avis Connect, is provided by Autonet Mobile using 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) connections.

Autonet's mobile in-car router

(Credit: Autonet)

For an extra $10.95 per day, Avis says renters get wireless broadband connectivity "at all times and places during their travel, from airports to meetings to hotels, and everything in between." We're not sure how the Wi-Fi signal will hold up if your car is parked in a hotel's underground lot and your room is on the 32nd floor, but motel patrons should have no problem connecting. Avis Connect is being introduced to airport-based rental centers in five cities this summer, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New Jersey, and will be expanded to Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Diego, and Seattle in the fall.

For those interested in setting up a WLAN in their own cars, Autonet's mobile in-car router will begin shipping in late summer with price tag of $399 plus a monthly subscription of $49.95 for unlimited data. Alternative car connectivity options include the recently released AirBox X2 router from WAAV (formerly Omniwav Mobile), which uses two cellular (EVDO Rev. A) connections from the same carrier for a stronger Wi-Fi signal.

[bluemist9999]

This truly scares me

I don't see why anyone needs Internet access while driving.

Granted, there are constant travelers who need wireless 'net access when they are stopped, such as traveling salesmen. My fear is how 'net access while driving would cause a LOT of car accidents.

If cell phones are distracting, how distracting would it be to pull out a keyboard and browse the web while driving? Or even to decide "which site do I want to browse?"

The more people have to think about something besides the 2 (or more) ton metal object they are piloting down the road, the more likely they are to get into accidents. Ever hear the phrase "lost in thought?"

Basically, all of the neat tech-toy upgrades don't upgrade our brains ability to multi-task (which isn't too good).

[rocketstar]

Drivetime entertainment

it isn't about surfing the net, its about access to entertainment streamed through the internet while you're driving. it would be awesome to have internet radio, podcasts, etc in the car.

[RaZor9000]

the beginning of something big

The real opportunity here is not the mobile wi-fi spot created in the car (mobile 3G wi-fi routers exist already but are not designed to be mounted like an amp), but the opportunity for integration with other electronics, including navigation, entertainment center for the passengers etc. Unfortunately for most people that means waiting for the manufacturers, which, if integration of mp3 players and the like is any indication would be 3-5 years behind.

[Hope M.]

Super highway information: in-car Internet arrives

The Wi-Fi technology is now to be put on a more drastic test such as in automobiles, this is a good start for autonet for the need for connectivity is high especially nowadays that mobile devices are getting the revolution.

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