Virgin Media has been selected to provide public access Wi-Fi at around 120 stations on the London Underground. It is a major win for the cable sector, which is looking to increase its involvement in public infrastructure projects. The contract has been awarded at no cost to either taxpayers or travellers.
All Tube passengers will be able to connect to the internet for free, accessing websites, online destinations, news, listings and travel information. Full internet access will be available to Virgin Media’s mobile and broadband subscribers with pay-as-you-go and other commercial levels also available.
“It’s vital that we harness the massive opportunities stemming from the digital revolution, by creating a vibrant, world class industry to attract investment and create jobs for Londoners,” said London Mayor Boris Johnson. “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.”
The first 80 stations will go live in July with the remainder, many of them deep-level, connected by the end of the year.
