Mobile network operator Vodafone UK has announced that they’ve “reintroduced” a WiFi service for their customers travelling on the London Underground, which comes after they scrapped their original service – supplied via a wholesale network run by Virgin Media – back in 2021.
The new network is similar to the old one, as it will allow Vodafone customers to connect to the internet at more than 260 stations across the Tube network. Meanwhile, we recently revealed that Virgin Media were preparing to retire their Out-Of-Home public WiFi network “from” 1st November 2023 (here), which is due to declining usage and the high cost of keeping it alive.
Andrea Dona, Vodafone UK’s Network Director, said:
“Our customers who regularly use the tube have told us that having access to WiFi is extremely important to them, so we’ve listened and reactivated the service on a new more reliable system, that is easy to use and provides seamless experience. Alongside our newly arrived 4G and 5G signal, we hope the new service will ensure our customers using the service have the connection they want and expect whilst travelling across the capital.”
However, Vodafone probably won’t be the only operator to harness this, since it’s based off BAI’s cell infrastructure and that means all operators have the capability to sign an agreement for the launch of a similar service. A quick look at Vodafone’s website also states that their WiFi service on the London Underground is still “free” for customers.