not a internet thing, but some Jenn Air ovens had (and maybe still have) a "sabbath mode". Observant Jews would prepare their Saturday dinner, place it in the oven before sundown on Friday, then the oven would turn iself on sometime on Saturday afternoon to begin to cook the food so it would be ready at sundown on Saturday.

A similar use could be used for internet connectivity. not for people skirting sabbath rules, but someone that has the turkey in the oven but doesn't know when exactly they'll get home to eat, but want to start baking it while you're away. Not saying that is a likely of common need, but it could happen.