Many folks like me can't get enough of the web. We surf the web at home, at work, at the airport, on vacation, and on and on. But there is still one place where most of us haven't tried to surf the web yet--until now.
The recently introduced TracNet system from KVH Industries allows auto passengers (NOT drivers!) the ability to surf the web wirelessly while the car/van/truck is in motion. In fact, the company says their system turns the entire vehicle into a rolling hotspot.
TracNet is available to anyone who can afford it--it's $1,995 for the product, $10 a month for MSN TV service, and $59.99 a month with a two-year contract for internet service. It's not cheap, but the company says there is some demand for it from consumers and that businesses such as car services would be able to offer it as a value-add for their customers.
Basic features from the MSN TV portal include e-mail access and instant messaging, as well as web access. Other features include a wireless keyboard and remote; compatibility with WiFi-enabled laptops, PDAs, and other wireless devices; and upload/download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 kbps with a capability of reaching up to 2 Mbps.
In any event, it'll be interesting to see if the TracNet system will find a niche in the wireless marketplace. As mentioned earlier, the car service sector might be a good place for it. As for consumers, we'll have to wait and see.
