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.