London Underground to get 120 WiFi hotspots before 2012 Olympics [Updated]

[Ink]

London Underground to get 120 WiFi hotspots in advance of the 2012 Olympics

A big announcement arrived today if you live in or around London: to prepare to the onslaught of data-hungry visitors for the 2012 Olympic games that the city is hosting, 120 WiFi hotspots are being added to various locations along the Underground subway system's stations and platforms, in addition to other measures being taken to beef up tech.

No WiFi will be in the actual tunnels:grrrrrr:

 

[Ink]

London tube wi-fi scheme on track despite security concerns

The plan to wi-fi up the London underground, with 120 stations to be included in the network, is set to go ahead with a target completion date of the 2012 Olympics.

This is happening despite concerns such as the BBC voicing fears that the wi-fi network could potentially benefit terrorists.

Will Geddes of ICP Group told the Beeb that the network would allow terror cells to communicate on the underground (obviously), and also cited “numerous examples of bomb attacks detonated remotely by mobile phone in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Of course, mobile access is in place on many underground train systems elsewhere in the world.

 

[jamescv7]

London Underground mobile network delayed indefinitely

Plans to install a mobile phone network on the London Underground have been delayed indefinitely, according to a statement from Boris Johnson, The Conservative mayor of London, in a statement to The Guardian, said that "the genuine problems encountered could not be overcome on this occasion."

It remains unclear as to where talks broke down between operators and Transport for London, but a statement from Vodafone shows the mobile giant is still keen to get travelers talking on the tube. "As a group, we will continue to positively explore all other avenues available to us to provide a service at a later date," it said.

Link from Neowin

Link from Guardian UK