GM to offer in-vehicle WiFi on select models
Everywhere connectivity is even closer with the announcement that GM will be offering dealer-installed Autonet routers in its SUV and truck offerings. Chrysler was the first to put Autonet in cars a year ago, and Volkswagen signed up in August of this year, putting the mobile router docking station in its Routan. The Autonet kit is available this month for installs in the GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac lineups, or you can order it on GM's accessories site.
Full price for installation is $500 in GM offerings, and you'll pay $29 every month for 1 GB of service -- exceed 1 GB and service stops -- or you can plunk down for the 5 GB service. You can use it within 150 feet of your car but there's no encryption, so a bunch of other folks can use it as well. However, if you just want to get some e-mails and directions, research a few tunes on Songza, and, most importantly, get the kids to be quiet for a spell, it just might be worth it.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
garlinski 8:48AM (10/27/2009)
What's this garbage above??????? Seriously AB... Block this person and remove posting...
As for the internet offering... cheaper to get the MIFI from Sprint or Verizon Wireless AND you can take it with you out of the car!!! Just a thought.
Reply
unni 11:15AM (10/27/2009)
I second it , its not the first time he is posting the garbage
Quan 1:11PM (10/27/2009)
Exactly, a mobile data plan is a much better service. And then if the phone you have allows data tethering you can even use it as a portable modem for a laptop or something as well. At only 1 GB/month and no encryption so anyone can hijack your wifi this service sucks.
garlinski 8:49AM (10/27/2009)
Garbage!
Reply
garlinski 8:49AM (10/27/2009)
Oops... weird second posting on my part. Sorry AB crowd.
Reply
Frank 8:50AM (10/27/2009)
I remember when Chrysler announced this. Many said it was a gimick. Now that GM and VW are doing it I wonder if they still think that. To me it's like sat nav; you can buy the OEM system integrated or you can get a Garmin or TomTom for less $ but not have the big screen . You can have in car internet or use your balckberry iPhone for less $ but not have the big screen etc.
Reply
DKB_SATX 10:45AM (10/27/2009)
Except that the myfi alternative is cheaper, more functional AND readily portable outside your car.
jv2k 10:55AM (10/27/2009)
$500 to install, only 1gb limit, and a $30 a month fee?
That sucks. That sucks on so many levels.
daleam 9:11AM (10/27/2009)
So you can't encrypt and you have limited data? Lame!
Reply
dukeisduke 9:50AM (10/27/2009)
No encryption? In this day and age I'd expect WPA2-PSK.
Randy915 5:26PM (10/27/2009)
If your vehicle's moving I doubt you'll have any critical security issue because you'll be moving out of hacker's range within seconds.
daleam 5:31PM (10/27/2009)
I'm less concerned with security than I am the possibility that someone else may have access to my limited bandwidth. Granted, you make a valid point that while the car is moving, it may not be much of an issue, but still, in this day and age, encryption is a standard and this is lame.
UCJR 9:14AM (10/27/2009)
Let's see, with WiFi, BlueTooth, OnStar, SYNC, Navigation, 100-disk CD changer, 500GB hard drives, Blaupunkt stereos, cars that stop AND park themselves, backup cameras, and Super-Handling-All-Wheel-Drive (and plenty I don't remember), I feel that my place as a driver has been usurped.
If you need me, i'll be out shopping for something minimalist. Maybe an Elise?
Reply
ToniCipriani 9:18AM (10/27/2009)
Even that's too complicated. Give me a Caterham R500.
akboss302 10:19AM (10/27/2009)
Exactly! Glad to hear others get the point of 'driving' as well...keep it simple, keep it fun.
jv2k 10:56AM (10/27/2009)
How in gods name does wi-fi in the car effect your driving(besides the distraction factor)
sw 10:56AM (10/27/2009)
lolz, sry for crashing into ur car, wuz luking @ porn in my car
Jason 9:16AM (10/27/2009)
Whose cellular network do these things use?
Reply
MM 9:25AM (10/27/2009)
I would guess it probably uses Verizon since that is the network that OnStar uses
RicoChet 9:30AM (10/27/2009)
No Encryption and only 1gb per month? That is so stupid I can't even fathom it.
Reply