Chevrolet + Wi-Fi = Rolling Hotspot
Several Chevy models now enabled for full Internet access
By Joshua Condon Dec 14, 2009 1:27PM
There's a great article over at the Detroit Free Press about how Ford's recent success, in part, is due to its successful attempts at "democratizing technology" -- that is, providing the most up-to-date car tech in a wide range of models for little money -- but GM may have beaten even Ford to market with the latest leap in vehicle gadgetry: in-car Wi-Fi.
Chevy Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile is, according to GM's press release, the first Wi-Fi Internet service provider designed exclusively for vehicles. The system can support several devices within, and up to a 150-foot radius around, the vehicle, delivering data over the 3G network at a speed of up to 1.5 mbps.
Obviously, no one is advocating that drivers should be allowed to surf the Internet while driving. The system is intended for use by families or car pools, allowing the passengers to research homework, or send and receive e-mails during a commute. The driver could also use the system when the car is not in motion, such as when parked at a job site, in a parking lot or on a ferry.
Chevy Wi-Fi by Autonet is a GM officially licensed product and is available on the following Chevrolet models: Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Express.
Retail price for the Wi-Fi by Autonet -- which, thanks to separate docking stations, can be switched among several vehicles -- starts at $399. Customers who purchase before Dec. 31 and sign up for a two-year service agreement can take advantage of a $200 mail-in rebate to cut the cost to $199. According to a GM representative, the 1-gigabyte data plan prices out at $29 per month, while a 5GB plan runs $59 per month.
(Source: GM)
Chevy Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile is, according to GM's press release, the first Wi-Fi Internet service provider designed exclusively for vehicles. The system can support several devices within, and up to a 150-foot radius around, the vehicle, delivering data over the 3G network at a speed of up to 1.5 mbps.
Obviously, no one is advocating that drivers should be allowed to surf the Internet while driving. The system is intended for use by families or car pools, allowing the passengers to research homework, or send and receive e-mails during a commute. The driver could also use the system when the car is not in motion, such as when parked at a job site, in a parking lot or on a ferry.
Chevy Wi-Fi by Autonet is a GM officially licensed product and is available on the following Chevrolet models: Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Express.
Retail price for the Wi-Fi by Autonet -- which, thanks to separate docking stations, can be switched among several vehicles -- starts at $399. Customers who purchase before Dec. 31 and sign up for a two-year service agreement can take advantage of a $200 mail-in rebate to cut the cost to $199. According to a GM representative, the 1-gigabyte data plan prices out at $29 per month, while a 5GB plan runs $59 per month.
(Source: GM)
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