I’ve rather got used to checking out my emails and delivering a few devastating ripostes on the urban75 boards while I’m waiting for the tube to arrive, and the good news is that Virgin Media have said that the service will remain free throughout 2012 ‘and beyond’.
[The Bride of Brixon station, July 2012]
Brixton (but, it transpires, not Stockwell – see comments below) tube station has enjoyed free wi-fi coverage all summer, in a deal that was only expected to remain free while the Olympics were going on.
Virgin say that over 661,000 people are now online underground, with Waterloo, Victoria, King’s Cross, and Oxford Circus being some of the busiest connected Tube stations. Last Friday proved to be the busiest day so far, with Virgin handling 1.1 ‘individual sessions.’
The press release (below) is short on detail, but it looks like the free service may well continue into 2013. Which would be fab.
“Commuters and visitors will be able to make use of the internet throughout 2012 and we’re in positive talks with potential wholesale partners to ensure a fantastic experience for all Tube passengers throughout 2012 and beyond,” purred Virgin Media executive Jon James.
Press release:
Tube WiFi smashes one million connections in 24 hours
WiFi on London Underground to remain free for everyone in 2012
Following a landmark day which saw Virgin Media’s WiFi service deliver over one million tweets, Facebook posts, emails and web pages in its busiest 24 hours yet, Virgin Media today announced that WiFi on London Underground will remain free for everyone throughout 2012.
Over 661,000 people are now online underground, with Waterloo, Victoria, King’s Cross, and Oxford Circus some of the busiest connected Tube stations. WiFi from Virgin Media is already available in 72 London Underground stations, from the ticket halls to the platforms, with more stations due to be brought online in 2012.
Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media, said: “WiFi on London Underground has been an incredible success with hundreds of thousands of people kept up-to-date and entertained whilst travelling around our capital city. Commuters and visitors will be able to make use of the internet throughout 2012 and we’re in positive talks with potential wholesale partners to ensure a fantastic experience for all Tube passengers throughout 2012 and beyond.”
Gareth Powell, London Underground’s Director of Strategy and Service Development, said: “WiFi at Tube stations is proving to be a very popular service with up-to-the-minute travel information and journey planner at passengers’ fingertips. There are already 72 London Underground stations online and our engineers are working in partnership with Virgin Media to continue the roll-out in 2012.”
The comprehensive WiFi portal with TfL travel information, updates and London news and entertainment will remain free for all Tube passengers throughout 2012 and beyond. From next year, Virgin Media’s broadband and mobile subscribers will continue to have full online access and Virgin Media is engaged with potential wholesale partners to provide the service to their own customers on an ongoing basis.
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