BigBelly's hotspot trash cans will have speeds that reach 50 to 75 megabits per second -- enough to run a small business, according to Jeremy Schneider of Downtown Alliance, which helped the company conduct its initial test. It also helps that the containers are on ground level, so their signals won't be affected by skyscrapers. The company said its garbage cans can display public announcements and alerts in addition to providing free internet. Chances are they'll serve as digital billboards, as well, just like NYC's payphone-hotspots, since they need money to continue running. BigBelly plans to conduct more tests in the near future, and if it gets the government's support, it aims to begin equipping containers with WiFi connections as soon as this fall.

[Image credit: BigBelly]