Transport for London has announced that WiFi access is to be rolled out across the transport network by the summer of 2012, giving internet access to tube travellers in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The announcement follows the successful trial of WiFi coverage at Charing Cross station. TfL has confirmed that WiFi will be in place at 120 stations, allowing users to access internet services from the platform. WiFi coverage is not planned in the tunnels when passengers are travelling from one station to another.
Information on who will be providing the WiFi service, and any costs, has not been revealed. Last year TfL were said to be working with the four main mobile network operators to provide coverage to users, however these talks came to an end without any fruitful action planned.
“London Underground is continuing with preparations to install the necessary infrastructure and is on schedule to complete the project as planned,” said Gareth Powell, TfL's Director of Strategy and Service Development. “An announcement will be made in early spring leaving plenty of time for this to be delivered to customers in time for the 2012 Games.”
The trial at Charing Cross was done in conjunction with BT Openzone. WiFi coverage was available in the ticket hall area as well as on platforms, and gave free access to travel information, but other content was chargeable to non-BT customers.