Japanese Vending Machines Begin Offering Free WiFi

Here’s a novel idea to expand your company’s vending machine marketability, offer free WiFi to customers and potential customers.

That’s what the Asahi soft drinks company of Japan decided to do this month and their test machines have been a huge success.

Users don’t have to register or even buy a drink, they simply connect to the signal for up to 30 minutes. When users first log-on they are then taken to a home screen with information about local attractions, a screen Asahi can fill with sponsored adds that are hyper-locally targeted.

The company says they will install 1,000 machines across Japan in 2012 with 9,000 more expected over the next five years.

According to the company the machines WiFi capabilities extended 50 meters (150 feet).

Perhaps the best part is the fact that with no registration users with multiple devices can stay connected for even longer periods or they can simply be disconnected and then reconnect afterwards.

With the potential to earn passive income from advertising the new machines could be the type of jolt the Japanese vending machine industry needs, especially in a country where just about everything can be bought in a vending machine.

Would you like WiFi connections at rest stops and other travel destinations in your area?