WiFi for all on London Underground

WiFi for all on London Underground

(28/03/2011, BWCS Staff)

A
total of 120 stations on the London Underground network are to be fitted with WiFi
hotspots before the 2012 Olympic Games. However, there is still no sign of mobile
phone signals being strengthened on the transport system, nor of adding WiFi
on-board the trains.

In a
statement, Transport for London said that it plans to introduce WiFi services
for the public at 16 stations using networks installed for its own staff. TfL
will then expand the networks to other stations. However, it warned that the
WiFi network would only be available on platforms, and would not be extended to
the trains.

 A recent trial at Charing Cross,
which began in November and was conducted in conjunction with BT Openzone, provided WiFi connections in the ticket hall and
platforms at the underground station. According to TfL, over half of tube passengers
surveyed recently said that WiFi access would improve their experience of using
the Underground network. Many of those questioned said they would welcome a
wider service roll out and stated that WiFi connections at a Tube station are
“very useful”.

TfL
is now putting out invites for a contract that will extend the services. In a statement,
it said “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.”

“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.”

All new Train WiFi services will be discussed at this summer’s
WiFi on trains conference – Train Communication Systems 2011, where BWCS will
once again host train companies from around the world. The conference will look
at WiFi services on trains, on-board entertainment services and also at how
train companies are increasingly using the train to shore broadband connection
to establish cost-saving services worth many millions of pounds. For further
information about June’s conference please go to www.TrainComms2011.com or
e-mail from Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com 

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