Avis service enables renters to take the Internet with them Michael Milligan, Travel Weekly, 1/4/2007 Avis Rent A Car will soon launch a service that essentially enables its renters to bring along the Internet wherever they go. The car rental company said it intends to officially announce on Jan. 9 that it has signed a deal with Autonet Mobile, a technology firm that has developed a portable Wi-Fi Internet device that can be use with Internet-enabled computers and personal digital assistants (such as the BlackBerry or Treo). Autonet, which rolled out the device last week at a technology trade show in Las Vegas, intends to eventually sell them through retail outlets for $399 plus a month service fee. In the meantime, Avis is the first commercial firm to offer the devices. While they are promoted as an in-car add-on, Avis spokeswoman Susan McGowan said, the devices have broader applications. "The beauty of it is you take it wherever you go," McGowan told TravelWeekly.com. "It is not connected to the car at all. So, you can take it into a conference room, into your hotel, or wherever you go." Aside from business travelers, McGowan also believes the portable, high-speed Internet devices, which easily fit into a briefcase, will appeal to families on vacation. "Your kids could be in the backseat instant messaging friends or downloading information and then taking it with them into the hotel," McGowan said. Avis said it plans to make the devices available to renters for $10.95 a day.       ©1997-2007 Atlas Travel International. All rights reserved.