General Motors says it will join Chrysler and Volkswagen in offering an in-car router that will permit Wi-fi connection of multiple in car devices to mobile 3G broadband services as a dealer installed option on select models across Buick, Cadillac, Chevy and GM product lines. Marketed by Autonet Mobile, the router connects via a 3G mobile data subscription that starts at base rate of $29/month for up to 1GB of downloads and offers Wi-fi connectivity for a radius of up to 150' from the vehicle.

The device is expected to appeal to a growing number of consumers who want access to a broad range of Internet services for use by drivers and passengers alike.

Chrysler was the first U.S. automaker to offer the device earlier this year.

The option, which carries a sticker price of $499, is similar to products already offered by 3G wireless service providers AT&T and Verizon. Sprint's Clearwire wireless broadband service also offers a mobile Wi-max broadband router for use in those markets where that service has launched.