Free WiFi to be provided at Coke vending machines in rural SA!

South African’s living in rural communities will now be able to enjoy a cold can of coke while checking their email or Facebook at the same time! Apparently the routers will be installed inside the vending machines and you don’t even have to buy anything to access it, this project created by Coca-Cola and BT Global Services has just recently been launched in the rural Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.

So far two sites have been chosen near local communities to launch the starter projects:

Sasol integrated Energy Centre in Qunu (near Mthatha) in the Eastern Cape – This spot was chosen because it is very popular with the locals and is close to a taxi rank, which will in turn attract lots of people.

Thokozane Fast Food in Bushbuckridge (near Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga – There is large amount of foot traffic in this area and it is easily accessible for the locals.

Both of these areas were also specifically chosen because they are close to many shopping centres and schools. Coca-Cola and BT Global Services both believe that by giving people who live in rural areas free WiFi access, it will encourage students to do research and increase their knowledge and allow small business owners the ability to manage their business online.

There isn't much information about how many Coke vending machines will be become a part of this network, but apparently the companies intend to install “WiFi coolers” in many parts of South Africa over time.

Pretty soon, it seems, people in rural areas all over South Africa will be surfing the web while sipping on a fizzy, sugary drink!

If you’re someone who would like more information about WiFi or maybe you just need help with IT maintenance, managed services, web design, hosting or hardware sales contact The Computer Guyz at their offices in Cape Town or Centurion.

Written By: Christine Romans 

Copy Writer at The Computer Guyz Cape Town