Japanese cell phone giant DoCoMo is making it easier to pass the time during traffic with their new WiFi-enabled taxis. DoCoMo has outfitted 820 taxis in the capital city of Tokyo with free WiFi.
DoCoMo isn't just offering up free WiFi though, they are also outfitting 100 cabs with backseat PSPs! The limited number of WiFi-enabled taxis seems to signal that this is just a trail run to gauge interest. Here's hoping DoCoMo's WiFi taxis take off and eventually make their way around the globe. I don't need an English-speaking driver as long as I have the Internet.
Web-Surfing Taxis
DoCoMo Rolls Out 820 WiFi-Enabled Taxis on the Streets of Tokyo
Trend Themes
1. Wifi-enabled Taxis - The availability of WiFi in taxis presents an opportunity for businesses to provide internet-based services and experiences to passengers during their rides.
2. Backseat Entertainment - The addition of backseat PSPs in taxis opens up possibilities for gaming companies to create tailored experiences and attract passengers with interactive entertainment options.
3. Global Expansion of Wifi Taxis - The success of DoCoMo's WiFi-enabled taxis in Tokyo could create a disruptive innovation opportunity for transportation companies and tech firms to introduce similar services in cities worldwide.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The introduction of WiFi-enabled taxis calls for innovative approaches within the transportation industry to enhance the commuting experience through technology integration.
2. Entertainment - The inclusion of backseat PSPs in taxis presents an opportunity for the entertainment industry to explore new ways to engage and entertain passengers, potentially revolutionizing the concept of in-vehicle entertainment.
3. Telecommunications - The deployment of WiFi in taxis highlights a potential growth area for telecommunications companies to expand their services and infrastructure to support widespread connectivity in vehicles.