In what the company claims is an industry first, Chrysler has announced uconnect web, a system that brings wireless Internet connectivity to any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle.

It essentially turns the car into a WiFi hotspot that provides secure, real-time entertainment and information to all vehicle passengers.

According to Chrysler, the hotspot range will extend approximately 50 feet from the vehicle in all directions, and will combine both WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity. This means that passengers can stop the car at a family picnic or other event, and then proceed to make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, log into Facebook, MySpace, Disney or Webkinz, watch YouTube videos, or upload photos to a Flickr account, all using any laptop, Sony PSP, the iPhone, or other Wi-Fi-enabled device.

Since this is ultimately a cellular service, despite its emphasis on WiFi, the pricing will be complex: “The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449,” Chrysler says. “Dealer installation is estimated at approximately $35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for hardware and service is available.”

Uconnect web will be powered by Autonet Mobile, and will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory, the company said in the statement.

One Response to “Chrysler’s uconnect Turns Car into Wi-Fi Hotspot”

1. Uconnectweb says:

   June 28, 2008 at 1:11 pm

   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.

   I’m carefully watching the developments from here on and I’ve actually started a blog dedicated to this as well.