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[abatis]

I heard about Autonet on a late night radio show a few days ago and thought the concept was interesting. Autonet is the first Internet service provider specifically designed for cars. Autonet Mobile is reported to deliver an always-on mobile broadband network, that you and your passengers can enjoy internet services and Wi-Fi connectivity whenever you want to by turning your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot on wheels. You can use IM, chat, stream media, email, game on-line, listen to music and more. It use 3G technology and claims coverage over 95% of the USA. Autonet mobile can be seen in Las Vegas on January 8 at CES International 2007 Units will be shipping this spring.

Read more about Autonet Mobile

[runningtiger]

Very interesting! I wonder what the cost of the service will be when compared to an unlimited data plan? I like that it uses WIFI, but it would have to price out less than what unlimited data costs since it would not be available to the user anywhere/everywhere the device was in use - as it can only be used while in your car.

I look forward to learning more about this product/service.

[awarner]

Excellent idea be interesting on the realistic speeds would actually be rather than the "quoted speeds" the passengers could actually get while travelling.

[abatis]

Here is some more information from Business Wire:

Autonet Mobile's patent pending TRU Technology enables seamless Internet connectivity so that passengers stay connected while driving. TRU Technology provides intelligent, dynamic automatic session management between high/low speed networks, producing a reliable user experience. The Autonet Mobile Service ensures a secure, broadband-level connection to any WiFi-enabled device within close proximity to the vehicle. The Autonet Mobile Unit is priced to retail at $399 with a monthly service charge of $49.

[runningtiger]

"The Autonet Mobile Unit is priced to retail at $399 with a monthly service charge of $49."

Ouch. The appeal of this must be more about something else other than a handheld device then, right? Like I originally said, if it prices out more than unlimited data plans, it doesn't make sense (to me). And, since it does price out at more, it must be directed at something else.

What?

For instance, why would this setup be preferable to the fast networks available now (and in the future) that I thought I've read are quickly approaching broadband speeds and go with you wherever you and your device go?