There is no doubt that 2009 has been a huge year for the mobile internet craze. Last year, mobile internet usage jumped an astounding 75% in the third quarter alone. Car companies are now trying to cash in on this new craze by developing technology for automobiles that makes them wireless hot spots. While Japan has already been using such technology as early as 1997 (no surprises there…), the Western world is still toying with different methods to try to make this new concept a success. Companies such as Mercedes and General Motors are exploring the development of their own separate hardware that will have to be purchased for internet use in the car. Ford, on the other hand, is exploring connectivity with preexisting USB modems that users may already have purchased for other services.

“While you’re driving to grandma’s house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas. “And you’re not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.”

The prospects of this idea are promising. I surely wouldn’t mind being able to get online from my car. With new internet services emerging, such as Clear, however, automakers should be prepared to compete with these preexisting companies.

Source: CNN.com