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Consumers may now add Wi-Fi to the list of items that vending machines can dispense these days, at least in Japan.

 

In Japan, Asahi Soft Drinks introduced a new vending machine that can dispense a “free” wireless signal, tech site PC World reported.

 

Asahi plans to introduce 1000 of these machines around Japan in the next year, and expand to 10,000 machines in the next five years, the PC World article said.

 

It said Asahi presently operates about 250,000 non-Wi-Fi-enabled vending machines in Japan.

 

PC World said the Wi-Fi signal will be good for a 50-meter radius around the machine, and users can log on using devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

 

However, users will have to bear with a splash page with ads and info from local surrounding businesses as well as Asahi on initial logon.

 

The wireless signal will be good for 30 minutes at a time. Users who are kicked off after 30 minutes can just log on again.

 

Asahi believes the new vending machine can expand the vending machine business by drawing customers. — TJD, GMA News