The world’s weirdest wi-fi hotspots
Mount Fuji, the North Pole, the Moon ... there's no excuse for being offline
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
If you're always looking for the best holiday selfies to show off on Instagram, then this is the news you've been waiting for. Visitors to Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji, can now access wi-fi at its summit.
The hotspots are placed in eight locations around the mountain, including three cottages around the summit, a general management centre and a resort facility. Each user will be allowed 72 hours of access, so you post the beautiful goraiko sunrise live to your friends and family, as well as checking vital weather and tourist information directly on the mountain.
This might seem an unusual place to access the internet, but there are plenty of unusual locations across the world where it’s surprisingly easy to get online.
Donkeys, Kfar Kedem, Israel
A couple of years ago a historical amusement park, which attempts to recreate life from the first and second centuries AD, introduced wi-fi access… on the back of donkeys. The donkeys carry a small bag around their neck containing a router, allowing tourists to document their ride via social media.
Val d’Isere, France
Fuji’s not the only mountain that lets you stay connected. A brand new wi-fi-enabled gondola launches in Val d’Isere this winter, you can snap photos of the gorgeous view from your ski lift and post them straight to Instagram. If you need any more persuading, the lifts will also contain heated seats.
National Parks, Canada
Over the next few years, Canada is introducing 150 wi-fi hotspots in up to 20 of its parks. With some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the country wants to attract more visitors to its sights. You’ll also be able to connect to GPS too so you can get the most out of your visit.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA
A lot of people take a beach break to get away from it all. But if you can’t resist checking your emails while drinking your third piña colada then perhaps Waikiki is for you, with wi-fi available alongside white sand and endless sunshine.
Black cabs, London
If your 3G signal is no good and you urgently need to refresh your Facebook feed on the move, free wi-fi is available in the capital’s black taxis, as long as you’re prepared to watch a 15-second ad every 15 minutes.
San José Cemetery, Granada, Spain
A slightly less cheerful wireless hotspot is San José Cemetery in Granada, which introduced a free, open connection two years ago following demand from its visitors.
The North Pole
Back in 2005 a couple of Intel employees installed an access point at the North Pole's main camp site and at a drifting polar scientific station to help explorers undertaking research in the area.
The moon
Last year scientists managed to beam a wi-fi signal to the moon with powerful lasers. The purpose was supposedly so that future generations living and working there could keep in touch with those back on earth.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments