Wi-Fi was expected to rollout across the borough late last year after the success of a pilot project by BT Openzone at Charing Cross Station, but the tendering process was delayed. The chosen provider of the service is now expected to be revealed in the Spring.
Gareth Powell, director of strategy and service development, said: "London Underground is continuing with preparations to install the necessary infrastructure and is on schedule to complete the project as planned," in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Wi-Fi coming to 120
underground tube stations
Wi-Fi will not be available on tube trains, but users are expected to be able to connect their smartphones and devices to the online service while in the hub of the tube stations and on the platforms. Though its expected that users will be charged to access certain parts of the service, the TfL’s tender document reveals that some content, such as travel information, news and sport, will be available free-of-charge.
The contract for London Underground’s Wi-Fi will last for five years and is being competed for by some the UK’s largest service providers, including, BT, O2 and Vodafone.
