Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Eric Hood

Chrysler this week announced plans to offer wireless internet access in its cars starting this summer.

"The internet service, dubbed UConnect Web, uses cellular technology to access the internet and then Wi-Fi in the car to allow passengers to log on," writes VNUnet's Iain Thomson.

"UConnect Web will be offered in most 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles starting in August," writes USA TODAY's Chris Woodyard. "The in-vehicle router will cost $449, plus installation of up to $50. Mobile Web access for it will require a $29-a-month subscription, after $35 for activation, through provider Autonet Mobile."

"The service would appear to be a huge victory for that critical lobby of people bored with merely texting, scrolling through iPod playlists and chatting on the phone," writes the LA Times' Ken Bensinger. "Highway safety advocates, on the other hand, are a little less enthusiastic..."

More here from TheStreet ... more here from the AP ... more here from Edmunds ... more here from Electronista ... and more here from Wired.