BT Global Services in association with Coca-Cola South Africa will set up Wi-Fi on Coca-Cola machines and provide free internet access to impoverished communities in South Africa.
Coca-Cola is installing the refreshment-dispensing coolers while BT is providing design and support, connectivity and internet access, as well as business training.
BT has launched the pilot project in two key areas in Umtata in the Eastern Cape province and Nelspruit, in the Mpumalanga province.
“Free Wi-Fi will enable students and school children in the area to increase their knowledge through research while also giving entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community the opportunity to manage some of their business aspects online,” said David Visser, chief information officer of Coca-Cola South Africa.
Nelspruit and Umtata, where Wi-Fi projects will give connectivity for community members, have shopping centers and schools, allowing members of the communities to combine their day-to-day activities with the opportunity to access the internet for business and educational purposes.
In addition, Coca-Cola South Africa, Coca-Cola Fortune and BT Global Services aim to grow the project and install Wi-Fi coolers in various parts of South Africa to help support and grow sustainable communities.
