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Chevy outfits cars with 3G-to-Wi-Fi hotspots

updated 03:40 pm EST, Mon December 14, 2009

 

Chevy SUVs, trucks get on-road wireless


Chevrolet today became the latest automaker in the US to add roving Internet access to its vehicles. The Avalanche, Equinox, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse all now have an after-sale option of an Autonet router that provides a 1.5Mbps connection even at speed. Like the Chrysler option, it accomplishes the feat by sharing a 3G link over a local Wi-Fi hotspot that shares the connection with passengers and those within a 150-foot radius.

Service costs $29 per month and requires a dealer install, but the router itself will cost $199 on a two-year contract if bought before the end of the year. It normally costs $399. [via Leftlane News]


By Electronista Staff

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networking, Chrysler, Chevrolet, GM, Autonet

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Previous Comments

  1. bleee

    Mac Enthusiast

    Joined: Mar 2002

    -4
    12/14, 04:19pm | report spam | (1 reply) | reply

    Seriously???

    "Chevrolet today became the latest automaker in the US to add roving Internet access to its vehicles"

    Why??? do you spend that much time in your car?


  1. danviento

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Dec 2005

    +4
    12/14, 04:59pm | report spam | reply

    Worth Considering

    I could see using this in place of DSL or cable access.

    If you park your car in your garage, you'll be within 150' of it in most homes. And if not, you can always move it somewhere else on your property, near where you want to work, and get access.

    And if you work at a place like mine, you can park close to the building and get access to sites and services blocked by your building's network filters.

    The one drawback would be power. Unless the router comes with a battery, or you can plug it in while your vehicle is parked at home, it won't be of much use in these two alternative situations described above.

    Personally, I could easily install a second battery inside my Silverado (there's even an empty mount already under the hood!) and have this router run off of that most of the day, and recharge on the way home and at home.

    At $30 a month, this is ridiculously cheaper than tethering to a mobile phone, and a lot cheaper than most data plans for iPhone, especially if you already own a separate phone and iPodTouch.

    If you're a rental car group, I could see this as a real draw for families or organizations that want to drive on vacations or trips and give them all internet access.

    Any other applications?


  1. boris_cleto

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Sep 2002

    +2
    12/14, 08:50pm | report spam | reply

    Surfing While Driving

    Just what the world needs, a******* in Suburban Assault Vehicles surfing while driving.


  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0
    12/14, 11:17pm | report spam | reply

    Re:surfing while driving

    And they're not doing this now with their iPhones and other smart phones?


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