Mobile Internet available in Volkswagen as WiFi goes on the road

In the United States, Autonet Mobile has announced an agreement to equip the Volkswagen Routan Minivan with uconnect web – an in-car internet service already available to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners in the US. It could stimulate interest and an increase in retro-fitting of mobile WiFi services to vehicles here in the UK.

Beginning in June 2009, more than 600 Volkswagen dealerships in the United States will offer Routan owners the opportunity to add uconnect web. With Autonet Mobile, the Routan becomes a WiFi hotspot, connecting every passenger and delivering reliable and easy-to-use internet access. Passengers can bring all of their own WiFi enabled devices such as laptops, netbooks, Nintendo’s DS, Sony’s PSP, iPod touch and other devices on the road. Passengers in the back seat can IM, connect on Facebook, watch YouTube videos or play online games, while the front seat passenger checks traffic, makes dinner reservations or listens to internet radio.

“Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers’ lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle” said Mark Barnes, COO of Volkswagen of America. “Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We’re excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring connectivity to our Routan customers.”

Monthly subscription plans start at a flat rate of $29, half the cost of a cell card in the US, and Autonet Mobile is installed by the dealer. Earlier this month (June 09), Autonet Mobile was awarded "Best Aftermarket Accessory" in the US by Telematics Update, in conjunction with their annual Telematics Detroit Conference.

“The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. “Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications – gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services – while on the road. We’re thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool car to drive.”

Autonet Mobile claims to be the world’s first internet service provider for cars. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver, and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated to enhancing the in-car experience by bringing the power of the internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the U.S. More at www.autonetmobile.com.

In the UK and most parts of Europe, mobile internet is currently reliant on 3G cellular services using PC cards or USB dongles from the likes of Vodafone and 3, but we can expect to see dedicated mobile networking providers develop more cost effective solutions, following in the steps of Autonet Mobile, and we see a lot of exciting opportunities from this, just as affordable broadband internet has delivered in the home.