Virgin Media Claims Huge Uptake of FREE WiFi in London UK Tube Stations

Cable operator Virgin Media UK, which has so far connected 72 London underground tube stations to its free public wireless internet (WiFi) network (the last 48 [total 120] are due to go live before the end of 2012), has reported a huge uptake of the service.

The operator reports that 443,000 people (commuters) have used the service during the London 2012 Olympic Games, which has resulted in the delivery of over 8 million tweets, Facebook posts, emails and web pages (i.e. 8.83m “individual online interactions“). Apparently Wednesday 1st August 2012 was the busiest day when Bradley Wiggins won gold, not to mention Helen Glover and Heather Stanning’s rowing victory.

Kevin Baughan, Director of Metro Wireless at Virgin Media, said:

“In an unforgettable sporting fortnight, WiFi on the London Underground delivered a world class experience and, just like the Team GB athletes, unparalleled speeds. Thousands of people signed up every day, sharing photos and keeping up-to-date with the latest Olympic moments and, even at very busiest stations, we’ve delivered a fantastic service.”

Gareth Powell, London Underground’s Director of Strategy and Service Development, added:

“WiFi at Tube stations helped keep everyone moving and entertained throughout the Games with up-to-the-minute travel information and journey planners at their fingertips. It’s proving to be a great service and we expect it to be very popular during the Paralympics too. We look forward to continuing the roll-out and connecting up to 120 London Underground stations by the end of the year.”

Sadly the service will only remain free during the summer before adopting a more commercial model, although Virgin Media’s existing fixed line broadband and mobile phone subscribers will continue to benefit from free access. Likewise the WiFi portal with TfL travel information, updates, London news and entertainment will remain free for all Tube passengers.

The final roll-out phase to the last 48 stations will commence after the Paralympic Games