Cell Phones Sold In Vending Machines

Soon you will be able to buy a cellular phone the same way you buy potato chips and soft drinks - by vending machine.

AT&T Wireless Services in Florida said it would begin using an automated kiosk this summer to dispense ready-to-use wireless phones.

A touch-screen video monitor allows the customer to browse through various models and financing options, then processes credit applications.

Once a customer is approved, the kiosk dispenses a package containing a telephone, battery charger and electronic adapter for a car’s cigarette lighter.

“This is simply breakthrough technology,” said Pamela Reeve, president and CEO of Lightbridge Inc., which developed the machine, or Interactive Retail Information System.

Initially, the vending machines will only be available at AT&T Wireless Services stores in Florida.