Even ambitious mountain climbers need their Internet access—and starting July 10, climbers who reach the peak of Mount Fuji will get it.
The Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi and Shizuoka, where the mountain is located, have installed Internet hotspots at the peak in an attempt to draw in more tourists. It might seem like overkill to climb 12,389 feet just to get a decent connection, but visitors to the mountaintop will likely appreciate the coverage.
Eight different locations on Mount Fuji will be equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots run by the telecom giant NTT Docomo, in partnership with the local prefecture governments. In addition, cottages around the summit and resort facilities will provide hikers and adventurers with a way to stay connected as they climb. The initial trial phase will run through September this year.
Japan’s Ministry of the Environment reported that more than 285,000 people made the trek up the still-active volcano in 2014. Tourism officials hope that the number will increase now that people can count on a reliable signal with which to upload selfies.
“We hope people will use the service not only to tell about the attractions of Mount Fuji to people abroad but also to obtain weather and other information to ensure their safety,” an Yamanashi tourism official told the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun.
While the offer of free Internet may seem generous, you can’t mooch off the mountain: the free session only lasts 72 hours after the first login. If you’re looking to hole up somewhere and work on your screenplay, head back to the coffee shop.
H/T Asahi Shimbun | Photo via Erman Kassim/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
