Boris Johnson may still be looking for ways to bring mobile network access to the London Underground, but in the meantime we may be able to make do with Wi-Fi. Starting today, commuters at Charing Cross underground station will be able to connect to a wireless network on the platforms and tickets halls as a part of a new trial.
The pilot scheme is being funded and run by BT and will extend for the next six months. Anyone logging onto the service will be able to get live updates on the status of the tube network, though only customers with BT Openzone minutes will have full access to the internet.
Depending on how well the service works and how it's received by customers, Wi-Fi could be brought to other stations once the trial is complete.
The Mayor's Transport Advisor, Kulveer Ranger, commented that "an ever growing commuter populous has been clamouring to be able to check their emails and browse the net whilst on the go," adding that, "this is an important step towards seeing how this could be achieved and is part of the Mayor's ambition to examine ways in which we can use technology to adapt the city's transport system to meet the needs of those using it."
According to the BBC, around 95 per cent of the City of London currently has Wi-Fi coverage. The addition of select Underground stations would not only increase this number, but help with the goals of 'Project Wi-Fi', which plans to bring wireless network access to the entire capital in time for the Olympics.
