Chrysler Brings Mobile Internet to Cars

Chrysler announced today that not only would it rebrand all of its entertainment features with the uconnect name, but it also would offer mobile internet as a dealer-installed option.

Here are the basics of uconnect web:

• The cost of the hardware/router is $449, not including a $50 installation
• Monthly charges are $29 per month in 12-, 24- and 36-month-long service plans plus a $35 activation fee
• Uses existing 3G and 2.5G cellular networks
• Download speeds are between 400-800 Kbps/sec
• Upload speeds average 400 Kbps
• Range is 100 feet

Business people and tech-savvy families might get use out of this system when there’s more than one user and device being used. Otherwise we wonder why someone wouldn’t just get a laptop internet card through a wireless provider such as AT&T. A quick browse of AT&T’s site shows that with a two-year contract you get a fairly powerful laptop card for free, there’s no installation charge but the monthly rate is much higher, $60 a month. The free card’s upload and download rates are better than what Chrysler is offering, almost twice as fast. And once a laptop is wireless, it becomes a virtual Wi-Fi hotspot as well.

Uconnect web will be available in August for all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles through certified dealers.

Comments

[Liger]

This sounds like a plug for AT&T. If your going to choose a data plan choose Verizon or Sprint, which feature true 3G data speeds. AT&T is only 2.5G and not as fast as 3G.

[Dave T.]

I just went to AT&T because that's what I use. Feel free to provide links to the others.

[Dave T.]

I looked at Verizon and it says for its free wireless card the upload and download times are identical to AT&Ts. same monthly rate too.

[Bowrider]

Is that guy in the picture utilizing the hardware? If he is, all the more reason to use a laptop. That "hardware" looks too small.

[Maxwell]

I'm disappointed. They could have done so much more.

How am I supposed to type while driving without a keyboard and mouse built into the steering wheel?

How am I supposed to check all my email without a monitor built in? Really, how important is it to have the stupid speedometer and fuel gauge and temperature thingy staring you in the face. They could have trashed these and put a nice 12 inch monitor in their place.

I mean, come on, who cares how fast you're going or if you have any fuel or not? Those things are trivial compared to checking email.

[uconnectweb]

Awesome! I've been keenly interested in this new emerging technology since I've first watched it on foxnews channel. I'm seeing a great potential for this technology which can probably drive Chrysler's sales for 2009. Also, I'm predicting this will be the trend and most other car companies will follow suit and would not dare leave themselves behind on this.