Australia's biggest telco will team with one of the world's biggest softdrink makers to test a new wireless application which allows customers to use a GSM mobile to order drinks from a vending machine.
The 'Dial a Coke' trial will run until May 3 at 17 Coca-Cola vending machines located at Sydney's Central Railway Station.
"Consumers at Central Station will have the opportunity over the next month to experience what the future has in store", said Coca-Cola Amatil's Manager, Equipment Services and Vending, Norm Farrell.
Only Telstra MobileNet GSM post paid customers can access the trial. After the customer dials a number on the vending machine, the purchase amount is credited to the machine and the selection made.
The transaction is then charged to the customer's mobile phone account and appears on their next bill.
"This initiative is a precursor to people being able to use their mobile handsets for functions such as micro payments for parking, ticketing and bookings", according to Telstra On Air's Product Development Manager, Greg Day.
The telco says the cost of the wireless purchase will be the same as if the customer were to put coins in the vending machine.
"There is no separate charge for the cost of the call."
