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Chrysler Readies In-Car WiFi Service

‘Chrysler hopes that is in-car WiFi options proves as popular as Ford’s Sync system.’ -

DailyTech first brought you news of Chrysler’s intention to bring in-car WiFi to its vehicles in late March and then again in late June. The company is now just a week away from makings its new service available for its 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models.

The Uconnect Web dealer-installed option will give passengers internet access via an EV-DO Rev A cell connection. The signal is then spread throughout the cabin using WiFi which can be locked down with WEP.

According to Autonet Mobile – the company that is providing the technology to Chrysler – the wireless signal is good for about 100 feet, downloads top out at about 800 Kbps, and uploads are capped at 200 Kbps.

“Instead of buying DVD systems, parents can get their kids Internet access for the back of the car,” Autonet Mobile CEO< Sterling Pratz told Fortune Magazine back in June. “And moms and dads in the passenger seat will also be able to do things like make dinner reservations using their laptop in the car.”

Autonet Mobile says that the service is intended strictly for vehicle passengers; however, it’s highly probable that some more adventurous drivers will use the service to kill some time while sitting in traffic.

The Uconnect Web system, however, won’t come cheap. InformationWeek says that the system itself will cost about $500, while installation fees can run as high as $50. Customers will also have to cough up a $35 activation fee and pay around $30 per month for service.

© 2008, DailyTech

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