VW Routan gets in-car Wi-Fi
updated 09:10 am EDT, Tue June 9, 2009
Autonet Intent comes to VW
German automaker VW and Autonet Mobile on Tuesday announced they will collaborate to bring the uconnect web in-car Internet service to VW's Routan minivan. Later in June, all Volkswagen dealerships across the United States will be able to outfit new Routan minivans with the option. While specifics of how the system operates haven't been announced, similar systems from Autonet are available in Chrysler vehicles and Cadillac. The 3G mobile data modem runs on EVDO and gives users downloads between 400Kbps to 800Kbps and uploads at roughly 400Kbps. This allows for live audio and video streaming as well as online gaming, Autonet claims.
As the service turns the minivan into a mobile hotspot, drivers and passengers can use their own Wi-Fi capable devices such as notebook computers, smartphones and other devices to connect to the Internet. FlyCast Internet radio access will also be integrated into the system. Subscribers and Routan owners can access their own mobile hotspots from up to 100 feet away from their vehicles.
Monthly plans for VW's uconnect web service will start at $29.
