Internet access has been something for the rich and famous in the past, but it appears that mobile Internet is now something you can get for a reasonable price in your average car. Subaru announced that it is now offering in-car Wi-Fi as a dealer-installed option for its 2011 Outback.
2011 Subaru Outback
The hotspot is based on 3G technology provided by Autonet Mobile, which enables WiFi access within 150 feet of the car. If you are interested in this option, you will have to shell out $499 for the parts, $35 activation fee, dealer installation cost as well as a monthly charge of $29. A one-year subscription is required.
Subaru promises download speeds of 400 to 800 Kb/s in 3G areas and a 97% coverage throughout the U.S. Subaru said there are 1 GB and 5 GB data caps. There will be no extra charges if you exceed that limit, but the download speed will slow down: “The more you exceed your limit the slower your connection.”
1GB and even 5GB data caps limit the usability of the Internet connection, but if you want Internet in your car, that is about as affordable as it gets. A decade ago, a similar performance required an investment of about $300,000 when the Audi A8 “Megacar” was unveiled. That car combined 16 GSM modules and required an Internet access fee of well north of $500 per month in Germany.
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