Avis Connect launches in San Francisco

Avis Rent A Car System will bring portable Wi-Fi connectivity to the
travel industry with the launch of its new Avis Connect service. Avis Connect enables travelers to enjoy broadband wireless Internet connectivity
at all times and places during their travel, from airports to meetings to
hotels, and everything in between. The opportunity to have portable
connectivity throughout their trip is expected to enhance the productivity
and convenience of Avis renters’ travel.
  The first Avis Connect units will be available starting today at San
Francisco International Airport and will be offered in the coming weeks at
Avis airport locations in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles and Newark,
followed in the third quarter at airport locations in Atlanta, Chicago,
Dallas, Miami, New York, San Diego and Seattle. The cost of the Avis
Connect service is $10.95 per day.
  “At Avis we continue to lead the industry in introducing products that
make travel easier, smarter and more productive for both business and
leisure travelers,” said Mike Caron, vice president of product and program
development for Avis Budget Group, parent of Avis. “Today, travelers are
increasingly considering Internet access to be an important aspect of
travel. With Avis Connect we are providing an easy-to-use service to help
executives and families stay connected. This is just one of the many
technological innovations, like our electronic toll collection services,
that Avis is proud to introduce to the industry.”
  Avis Connect was developed by Autonet Mobile exclusively for Avis. “The
Avis Connect service allows multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect to
the Internet, giving business and leisure travelers unlimited access to
data, music, games, chat and anything else they might like to access while
they travel,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. “Avis Connect
service is simple to use and does not require any software or technical
expertise. Anyone who has a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or device can simply log
on and surf.”
  Avis customers that utilize Avis Connect service do not need cellular
data cards or special software loads to connect to wireless Internet
devices. Avis Connect is compatible with all Wi-Fi enabled devices,
including laptops, Ultra-Mobile PC handhelds and PDAs.
  For more information, visit http://www.avis.com. Avis customers will be
reminded at the time of rental that the service is not to be used by the
driver while operating the vehicle. The service is intended to be used by
passengers, when the vehicle is parked, or in locations other than the
rental car.
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