First off I want to say that the good folks at Autonet (they make the Uconnect router) have PHENOMENAL customer service. I had an activation issue with the router I purchased so they are sending me a new one already activated at no charge. Turns out that the carrier they use in my area is Verizon 3G. The router will work when roaming on the Verizon 3G network but it will not activate while roaming. The guy I talked to there was very helpful. I would buy from them again.

So...if any of you out there feel the urge to do this mod to your JK, here is the lowdown on the install.

1.) The Chrysler instructions tell you to completely remove the center console. This is NOT necessary. Simply removing the 4 screws that hold it to the body will be fine. All you are doing is pulling a twisted wire pair through the console and into the dash center section.
2.) I put the router under the passenger seat, but thinking back you could put the thing anywhere in the Jeep you wanted to. I had my carpets out to power wash them so I screwed the router down to the body and then cut the carpet out around the router. Easy enough. Be forewarned though...your seats are a PITA to get out. The bolts holding them down are VERY tight.
3.) Some of the routers were shipped from the manufacturer with a faulty activation program in their memory. There is an update that you have to do before the thing will activate. Make sure you follow the instructions to the letter or it will brick your router. This isn't what happened to mine, but it is a concern.

Other than that, the install was fairly simple. I am pretty sure that once I get this thing activated and running it is gonna be a VERY nice addition to the JK. It will certainly be a nice electronic babysitter for the kids on long road trips.

 

What was the cost of the Uconnect Wireless Router?

I'm wondering if it's more worthwhile than say picking up a free MiFi Hotspot with a 1 year $20 per month 1 gig data plan?

 

I saw the router and was curious about adding it too, then I saw the $400+ price tag and decided my laptop tethered to atrix will have to get I done.
Up date us when the new one gets in, the Internet review all seem positive

 

I looked into this as well. BUT the cost of equipment plus monthly access fees made this really out of reach. HOWEVER, my Droid X with wifi tethering does the job!

 

Yeah my Droid does the same thing too. I have a Motorola Atrix. Put 2 kids with laptops on your Droid while using it as a WiFi hotspot and see how fast your data package goes away.
You can get the router on ebay for under $300. It is basically a 3G radio and a WiFi router all in one box. The monthly access fee is $29. Buying stuff like this from the stealership is never a good idea. You KNOW they are gonna make their cut on it. I called the stealership here in Shreveport to inquire about having one put in my JK. The guy at the parts counter said, and I quote "It's gonna cost you about $1000 to get one of those put in your Jeep." REALLY NOW?

 

Yeah, sounds like the MiFi hotspot is a way more practical option to me. Plus there's no install required. Not surprising that they overcharge massively for something like that from the dealership though.

 

I like the idea of having the option to use either or...and like I said I think the practicality of it comes in when you have 3 or 4 kids in the car trying to use the same wifi hotspot. Something tells me that even the best phones with wifi hotspot capability would have a hard time with that kind of traffic.