DailyTech - Wi-Fi Capable Cars En Route

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Software Wi-Fi Capable Cars En Route
Nirav Sanghani (Blog) - January 3, 2007 6:15 PM

8 comment(s) - last by scrapsma54.. on Jan 10 at 6:31 PM

Rental internet service offered for the traveler in the rental car

Autonet Mobile, a wireless-technology based company, is expected to make an announcement regarding a contract with Avis Rent-A-Car System to provide rolling Wi-Fi for Avis Customers. This new offer by Avis is to be in motion by March. Avis will charge $10.95 a day for a portable, notebook-sized device that that plugs into the cars power supply and offers the motorist high-speed internet.

Mobile Wi-Fi hot spots allow laptops or other portable devices to take advantage of the internet without the use of a hardline.

Each unit is expected to be $399 with a $49 monthly service fee, with preorders available now. It is mainly intended for businessmen for the time being. Autonet plans on making it available for families also.

Though the rolling Wi-Fi is meant to be a more convenient system, users will still have to cope with limited bandwidth, battery power, and the number of auxillery power outlets relative to the number of users. Device speeds have not been released yet, and are subject to local conditions as well -- similar to Verizon's EV-DO or Cingular EDGE.

While safety issues exist with onboard internet, Autonet claims that the service is intended for passanger of the vehicles, not the drivers. Also, Avis is responsible to require renters to sign waiver that don't hold Autonet or Avis responsible for irresponsible use.