-
Coca-Cola and BT Global Services are partnering to set up WiFi on Coca-Cola machines and provide free internet access. The WiFi coolers pilot project that provides free WiFi access without any purchase will take place in two key areas in Umtata in the Eastern Cape province and Nelspruit, in the Mpumalanga province.
-
Coca-Cola is installing the refreshment-dispensing coolers while BT is providing design and support, connectivity and internet access, as well as business training. Both outlets are in the vicinity of shopping centres 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.
-
BT has launched similar campiagns working with local organisations in some other parts of the world, including South Africa, India and United Kingdom.
"The initiative forms part of Coca-Cola’s commitment to building sustainable communities by empowering the members of these communities. We believe that by giving them access to free WiFi we 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.”
- David Visser, Chief Information Officer of Coca-Cola South Africa
“We are delighted to collaborate with Coca-Cola and be involved in a project that will give underserved communities much improved access to information and education opportunities. At BT, we have a vision for a Connected Society: to help improve society globally through the power of digital connections. As well as providing access, we want to help people use technology to apply their creativity and harness the possibilities of today's connected world.”
- Oliver Fortuin, managing director, BT Global Services, Sub Saharan Africa
