Subaru Latest to Offer In-Car Wi-Fi

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We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: It doesn’t make sense to pay for most in-car Wi-Fi solutions from automakers.
 
Chrysler and GM offer similar systems to one announced today by Subaru. The Japanese automaker will offer a mobile internet system in its 2011 Outback for $499 plus a $35 activation fee. It will then cost another $29 per month. Subaru will pick up the first three months of the subscription fee for free.

We don’t recommend in-car solutions because major wireless carriers like Verizon and Sprint offer portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices. The Verizon MiFi 2200 costs $49.99 after discounts, but the monthly charges range from $40 to $60. Sprint offers a similar device, but unlike the Subaru and Verizon solutions, it uses the faster 4G wireless network. The Overdrive Mobile Hotspot costs $99 after rebates and features only one unlimited monthly plan at $60 a month.

The benefit to these mobile Wi-Fi devices is that you can take them with you outside the car.

Perhaps dealers should start renting out kiosks to mobile companies instead of offering in-car solutions.