O2 customers will now have access to the Virgin Media London Underground Wi-Fi service, currently offered for free to EE, Vodafone and Virgin Media users.
Virgin Media has signed O2 as one of its wholesale partners, meaning that O2 customers can enjoy the London Underground Wi-Fi service for no additional cost. Vodafone and EE, which includes all Orange and T-Mobile customers, have already been picked up as wholesale partners with Richard Branson’s network provider.
Previously, O2 customers would have to use the Pay-As-You-Go service for the Virgin Media Tube Wi-Fi that offered passes costing £2 per day, £5 per week or £15 for a monthly pass.
“Wi-Fi on London Underground has gone from strength to strength and we’re delighted the majority of Londoners are staying connected for no extra cost,” said Mark Williamson, Head of Virgin Media’s London Wi-Fi. “Virgin Media’s unique fibre optic network means we deliver unrivalled capacity for next generation digital services both inside and outside the home, meeting the increasing demand for wireless services.”
Users already signed up to the O2 Wi-Fi service will be automatically registered for the free Virgin Media London Underground Wi-Fi using the same username and password.
“We’re excited to bring free Underground Wi-Fi to O2 customers this summer,” said Gary Booker, Head of Consumer at O2. “Our customers want to stay connected wherever they are and will soon be able to check their email, update their Facebook status, shop online, book their next holiday and stay connected to their friends and family right across Tube stations in Central London.”
Launched in July last year as part of the London 2012 Olympics, Virgin Media and Transport for London hope to reach a 120 Tube Station penetration by the middle of this year. However, the company has now brought 120 stations online, with an additional 12 added this week including Baker Street, Bank and Earl’s Court.
“Wi-Fi on the Tube is part of how we are improving services for our customers,” said Director of Strategy and Service Development for London Underground, Gareth Powell. “2013 is London Underground’s 150th anniversary, we were at the forefront of technology when the first Underground train ran and this shows how we are maintaining that tradition, using modern technology to improve customers’ journeys.”
