One hundred and twenty stations in the London Underground will be fitted with WiFi hotspots before the 2012 Olympic Games.
A half-year test conducted by internet provider BT saw hotspots provided for the Northern and Bakerloo lines has been labelled successful, with the Underground now putting out invites for a contract that would extend the service.
“A contract will be awarded to the chosen bidder by the end of 2011, which could mean that passengers will be able to log onto the internet from their laptops or mobile devices at stations before the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” a statement reads.
Users will be able to connect to WiFi spots while waiting for trains, but not while on the trains themselves.
“This invitation to tender will also allow prospective partners to supply details of how they would create a WiFi network at street level at places such as bus shelters or bus hubs.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
