Wi-Fi Boost for Olympics

Transport for London (the official body responsible for transport in London, UK) has announced it is on track to introduce Wi-Fi to all 120 London Underground stations in time for the Olympic Games 2012. ”London Underground is continuing with preparations to install the necessary infrastructure and is on schedule to complete the project as planned,” said TfL’s director of strategy and service development, Gareth Powell, in a widely reported statement.

This is good news for commuters in general, who will, of course, benefit from this additional infrastructure long after the Games are over. Even though the eventual provider of the service hasn’t been confirmed, TfL promises that it will make an announcement in Spring with plenty of time left to put all the hotspots in place ahead of the Games.

In a separate announcement, O2 has confirmed it is has signed a deal to provide additional wi-fi hotspots in partnership with restaurant chain owner Tragus in 120 locations, including Cafe Rouge, as well as Strada and Bella Italia restaurants. This is further good news for anyone looking for wi-fi access on the go in London, which will surely include many of the overseas visitors to London during the Games.