Turn Your New Ford Car Into A WiFi Hotspot

Ford Motor Company has just announced that it will turn its vehicles into rolling WiFi hotspots. Ford introduces its second generation of SYNC (PDF).

Ford Offers Secure Wireless Connectivity
(Ford Dec 21, 2009): “Inserting an owner’s compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an “air card” – into SYNC’s USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.” 

No Subscription Fees
Mark Fields said that customers will not be paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.

“Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.”

No Piggybacking Allowed
“Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from piggybacking on the SYNC-provided signal.”

WiFi On The Road To Grandma’s
“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.