London Underground to implement wifi for Olympics

London’s underground users will gain broadband access for the duration of summer 2012 after a contract was awarded to Virgin Media to provide public access wifi at up to 120 tube station platforms. The firm said that the implementation will come at no cost to the fare or taxpayer.

The free, unlimited service will be available to all tube passengers throughout summer 2012. Following this period, wifi at tube stations will be made available as part of Virgin Media’s broadband and mobile subscriptions.

Full internet access via wifi will become available via pay-as-you-go and other commercial models. Virgin Media said that  the cost of providing connectivity at stations is covered by the commercial contract between the firm and London Underground.

The implementation has been timed to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games, which will be held in London.

“This is a fabulous new and free resource which will be in place from this summer when London is being showcased on a global stage and playing host to millions,” said Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.

London Underground said it decided to provide internet access at its stations in response to positive feedback from customers that wifi at stations is something that they find useful and can help improve their journeys.