Chrysler's In-Car Wi-Fi Ready To Roll Aug. 25Chrysler's In-Car Wi-Fi Ready To Roll Aug. 25

Starting Aug. 25, some Chrysler drivers will be able to turn their cars into rolling Wi-Fi hotspots.

The company will be the first carmaker to offer Internet capability when it begins to sell its Uconnect Web system, which includes an antenna and trunk-mounted router that are hardwired into the car's electrical system. An EV-DO Rev. A cellular connection is made to the Internet, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that enables laptops and other devices in the car to surf the Web is created.

"With Uconnect Web all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously connected to the Internet," said Rob Richard, director of sales and service marketing for Chrysler's Mopar division, in a statement. "This can make dinner reservations, check directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace, Disney, or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a Flickr account -- all at the same time."

The hotspot will have a radius of about 100 feet, and it will deliver download speeds from 400 to 800 Kbps and average upload speeds of 400 Kbps. To prevent unauthorized access, the connection can be secured with WEP encryption or WAN port restriction, and the system will only operate with the key in the ignition.

Being able to check your e-mails in the car will come at a price, as the router will cost about $500 with a $35 to $50 installation fee. Along with a one-time $35 activation fee, the customer will also have to sign up for a $29 monthly subscription plan. The product will only be sold at authorized Chrysler dealerships, the company said.

The technology is being provided by Autonet Mobile, which already offers a mobile Internet product that's used by Avis rental car.