Detroit (MI) - Chrysler has announced that it will offer in-vehicle wi-fi hotspots with its 2009 model year Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. The UConnect package will be a dealer installed option and will connect to mobile phone networks (most likely either 3G or EVDO). The signal is then piped to passengers and even the driver.

UConnect also includes a 30 GB drive and optional satellite radio service. No price has been specified.

We should say that EVDO and other cellular data service routers have been available for several years. These require either a SIM card or PC Card EVDO/EDGE modem and then repeat the signal just like a regular Wi-Fi router. Most likely Chrysler will be taking these routers and just repackaging them for its cars.

Read more ... Associated Press via Google News