Man in a box

From 10h00 on Thursday, 22 April until 10h00 on Freedom Day - Tuesday, 27 April, Fine will be using MTN's cellular technology to survive in this confined space.

The billboard faces Corlett Drive, where motorists and passersby can see Fine on a daily basis, going about his business. Besides using MTN's cellular technology to communicate with the outside world, Fine will be able to post messages, using his cell phone, onto a Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen attached to the board. He will also be taking part in regular broadcasts to 5fm, Good Hope and Metro FM.

The 'Interactive Billboard' concept has been submitted to Guiness World Records, and once the project has been completed, Guiness World Records will confirm its validity.

Santie Botha, group executive director at MTN says: "Ten years ago, no one would have believed that it was possible to survive using cellular technology alone. The advent of cellular technology can only be compared to other enormous technical contributors such as the birth of television and the Internet."

All Fine's daily activities, business activities including internet and e-mail access, as well as the ordering of his meals, will be conducted using MTN's cellular technology, including voice and data. For example, Fine's home will be fitted with MTN's Cellsecure solution, which will enable him to remotely turn his lights on and off as well as monitor his home and control the security of his possessions whilst he is not there. Fine will also be able to see what is happening at his home, as a Nokia Observation Camera has also been pre-installed. This camera allows him to get pictures via MTN's MultiMedia Messaging Service (MMS) service from his home whenever he wants to or whenever any movement is detected in his house.

The radio personality will also be able to provide traffic updates using MTN's Traffic Cams. MTN Traffic Cams work through cameras placed on MTN radio masts at various interchanges, including Buccleuch, Sandton, Grayston and Rivonia intersections in Johannesburg, giving motorists live feeds via MMS service.

Additionally, Fine will be conducting an outside broadcast from the perspex box for his Saturday and Sunday shows on 5fm from 07h00 until 10h00. During the five day period, he will also be transferring airtime to MTN cellular users, by using MTN's Me2u service, which allows airtime to be transferred from one prepaid user to another.

The perspex box is fitted with an air-conditioning unit, a bed, a mini-fridge and a few other necessary amenities necessary for him to survive. A portable bathroom, with a fitted shower will be situated at the bottom of the billboard, with a step ladder, allowing him to enter and exit the box as and when necessary.

Kevin Fine, 5fm DJ says, "I'm really excited about this adventure because it's not like anything else ever undertaken. It's not an endurance test, but rather a test of cellular technology, it's also accessible and interactive. So while I'm here on this 'dessert island,' MTN's technology will keep me in touch with the outside world. I'll be able to communicate with anyone, from Internet browsers to listeners to people needing information, and that's what makes it so unique.

Well-wishers and interested parties wanting to communicate with Fine, during his five day stint, can call, or send an SMS to, Cell: 083 123 0011. Additionally, observation cameras will be placed in and around the billboard. Fine can be viewed live in the perspex box, by visiting www.mtn.co.za and www.mtnice.co.za or alternatively www.5fm.co.za.