In today's digital society, there is a growing need for internet connectivity while on the move.
In-car Wi-Fi is a technology that meets this demand. However, many people considering installing in-car Wi-Fi may not be familiar with the specifics of how to use it or how to choose it.
In this article, we will explain to those who are interested in in-car Wi-Fi an overview of in-car Wi-Fi, its advantages and disadvantages, what to consider when choosing, and how to use it to your advantage.
In-car Wi-Fi refers to services and devices that allow data communication via Wi-Fi inside a vehicle. It is designed to ensure stable data communication even in the vibration-filled environment of driving.
In-car Wi-Fi allows devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the Internet wirelessly, which is why it is gaining attention from people who use their cars frequently and those who enjoy long-distance family drives.
The benefits of using in-car Wi-Fi are as follows:
・Enjoy videos and music in the car
・You can work or study in the car
・Wi-Fi is available around the car
・Automatically update map information for car navigation systems
Below we will explain in detail the benefits of in-car Wi-Fi.
The advantage of in-car Wi-Fi is that you can enjoy online video and music content without worrying about the data capacity of your smartphone or other device. However, with smartphone contracts, you may reach the monthly data limit if you watch videos for long periods of time. For example, watching about 90 minutes of high-definition (720p) YouTube video or about 120 minutes of medium-definition (480p) video requires about 1GB of data.
However, by using in-car Wi-Fi, you can enjoy video streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix, and music streaming services such as Spotify, without consuming the data capacity of your device's contract.
In-car Wi-Fi can also function as a tool to support work and study while in the car. With in-car Wi-Fi, you can use devices such as a laptop to participate in online meetings, check emails, and create documents from within the car.
Some people also use in-car Wi-Fi to access online learning content such as correspondence courses and video lectures. This is a major benefit of being able to effectively use travel time to study or work.
In-car Wi-Fi extends to the surrounding area of the vehicle, allowing you to enjoy a variety of activities outside the vehicle. For example, you can make video calls with family and friends who couldn't be with you while camping or doing other outdoor activities.
You can also use it to broadcast live footage to a large audience in real time by posting an announcement on social media. In this way, in-car Wi-Fi can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your imagination.
The adoption of in-car Wi-Fi also improves the convenience of car navigation systems. With conventional car navigation systems, updating map data and adding or correcting functions required going to a dealer or specialist shop. Many users avoided this hassle, and as a result, they tended to continue using car navigation systems with outdated map data.
However, by using in-car Wi-Fi, it is now possible to automatically keep map data up to date via Wi-Fi. This allows the car navigation system to provide route guidance that takes into account the latest road information and traffic conditions. As a result, your daily driving will become more comfortable and safer.
When considering installing in-car Wi-Fi, it is important to be fully aware of its disadvantages. Below we will explain the disadvantages of installing in-car Wi-Fi.
In-car Wi-Fi requires initial and monthly fees, which inevitably involve purchasing new equipment and signing up for a communication plan, resulting in a financial burden.
Therefore, it's a good idea to consider installing in-car Wi-Fi depending on how often you use your car and what you want to do with it. If you decide to install it, it's also important to compare the prices and performance of in-car Wi-Fi devices available on the market. User reviews and ratings on specialist websites are also useful references when choosing equipment.
In-car Wi-Fi uses the vehicle's battery as a power source. Some in-car Wi-Fi devices are plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, but these lose their Wi-Fi connection when the engine is turned off.
This can be inconvenient if you want to use the internet while parked or waiting in the car. Also, using the battery for extended periods without starting the engine increases the risk of the battery running out. These power supply limitations are considered disadvantages of in-car Wi-Fi.
In-car Wi-Fi isn't the only way to use Wi-Fi in your car. You can also create a Wi-Fi environment in your car using pocket Wi-Fi or your smartphone's tethering function.
These alternatives have different characteristics than in-car Wi-Fi, so below we'll explain other ways to get Wi-Fi in your car.
You can also use a pocket Wi-Fi as in-car Wi-Fi. Compact and easy to carry, pocket Wi-Fi is unobtrusive when placed inside the car, and can even be used outside the car. What's more, you can connect to the Internet regardless of whether the engine is running.
On the other hand, when using pocket Wi-Fi, you need to be mindful of your device's battery consumption. It's a good idea to prepare a mobile battery or similar to protect yourself from battery drain.
As an alternative to in-car Wi-Fi, you can also use the tethering function of your smartphone. This method has the advantage of saving on initial costs because you don't need to purchase a new device.
If you want to use tethering, we recommend povo2.0. After signing up, you can use tethering without prior registration or additional fees.
For information on how to use tethering with povo2.0, please refer to the article below.
Reference: Use povo2.0 for work on business trips! The benefits and usage of tethering | povo Library | [Official] povo2.0
There are a few important points to keep in mind when choosing an in-car Wi-Fi system. Below we will explain the key points to consider when choosing an in-car Wi-Fi system.
When choosing an in-car Wi-Fi system, one of the most important factors is communication speed. To ensure a comfortable internet environment, high-speed, stable data communication is essential. Communication speeds vary greatly depending on the device, and slow data communication can be a source of frustration.
In-car Wi-Fi is often used while driving, so communication conditions tend to fluctuate depending on the location. Therefore, when choosing an in-car Wi-Fi system, it is important to compare communication speeds.
When choosing an in-car Wi-Fi service, you need to check the available data capacity. In-car Wi-Fi data communication contracts include unlimited data plans and pay-as-you-go plans.
It's also important to note that even with unlimited data plans, there are some that limit speeds once certain conditions are met. Therefore, choose an appropriate data plan depending on how often you plan to use the internet in your car.
When choosing an in-car Wi-Fi, the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously is also an important point. Some in-car Wi-Fi systems have a limit on the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously.
If you don't know in advance how many devices can be connected simultaneously, you may find it inconvenient when you actually use it. It's especially important for people who often travel by car with family or friends, or who need to use multiple devices for work, to check how many devices can be connected simultaneously before purchasing.
When considering in-car Wi-Fi provided by an automobile manufacturer, it is essential to check which models are compatible. You can check which models support in-car Wi-Fi at your car dealership or on the automobile manufacturer's website.
If your car does not support the in-car Wi-Fi provided by the car manufacturer, an external in-car Wi-Fi router is one option. External in-car Wi-Fi routers are generally installed by yourself or by having a car shop install them for you.
Some in-car Wi-Fi devices are SIM-free models. By combining a SIM-free in-car Wi-Fi device with a separately subscribed low-cost SIM, you can use the in-car Wi-Fi while keeping data fees low. For those who want to keep data fees as low as possible, we recommend au 's online-only brand, "povo2.0" (*1).
povo2.0 has a basic fees of 0 yen (*2) and allows you to purchase additional data and calls (Topping) as needed. You can save money by Topping up only the amount you need depending on when you use the in-car Wi-Fi. There is also a data-only plan, which can be easily activated in just three steps from the app. If you want to save money on the monthly cost of in-car Wi-Fi, be sure to consider povo2.0.
*1: As this is an online-only plan, all procedures and support will be handled online. Please contact us via the povo2.0 app or official website.
*2: [Common] - If no paid Topping are purchased for 180 days or more, service may be suspended or the contract may be terminated. - When using 0 yen and 0 GB, the maximum sending and receiving speed is 128 kbps. - If you have a contract for 5 lines under the same name (including lines that have been terminated or canceled by our company within the past year), a contract administration fee of 3,850 yen per line will be charged for the 6th line and beyond.
[For Data Only] - An initial Topping purchase is required when signing the contract.
For Calls＋Data】 ・Domestic calls: tax included 22 yen/30 seconds Some calling rates may differ, such as calls to satellite phones. See here for details. In addition, designated calling rates will be charged for calls to phone numbers set by other companies to fees. Sending domestic SMS: tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters) Receiving: Free Up to 670 full-width characters can be sent depending on the model. However, up to 134 characters will be charged for two SMS, and after that, one SMS will be charged for each additional 67 characters.
■ In-car Wi-Fi router that can be used with povo2.0
SIM card compatible models
| Career | Manufacturer | Device name |
|---|---|---|
| SIM-free | Fujisoft Co., Ltd. | +F FS050W ※3 |
| SIM-free | Fujisoft Co., Ltd. | +F FS040W ※3 |
* "povo2.0 Data Only" cannot be used with a SIM card. *3: Please insert the povo2.0 SIM card into the router. Please note that to purchase Topping, etc., you will need to have a separate device that can use the povo2.0 app.
eSIM compatible models
| Career | Manufacturer | Device name |
|---|---|---|
| SIM-free | Fujisoft Co., Ltd. | +F FS050W ※4 |
*4: To purchase Topping, etc., you will need to have a device that can run the povo2.0 app.
