Cable operator Virgin Media UK has announced that its free wireless internet (WiFi) service at 72 London underground tube stations will remain free until the end of 2012. The service had originally been due to adopt a commercial (paid) model after the Olympic Games but this plan has now been delayed.
The operator is somewhat coy about the exact reason for extending their free service, although it claims to have attracted 661,000 people to go online via their underground network. A further 48 tube stations were also due to be hooked up by the end of this year, yet today’s press release contains no mention of that.
Jon James, Virgin’s Executive Director of Broadband, 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.”
It will be interesting to see whether the next batch of 48 station upgrades will also slip into 2013.
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