London Underground gets wi-fi next week

Wi-fi access is coming to the London Underground next week…but just at one station, and just on a six month trial.

Charing Cross is the lucky terminal and will see its Northern and Bakerloo line platforms flooded with internet connectivity via BT Openzone.

However, you won’t be able to access the wi-fi on any trains. So unless you feel like hanging out on the platform,  you’ll only have around 4 minutes online time, which might give you enough time to watch a silly cat video but that’s about it.

As with BT’s other Openzones, BT broadband subscribers will be able to log on for free, while everyone else will have to pay a subscription fee.

“This is an important step towards seeing how this could be achieved and is part of the Mayor’s ambition to examine ways in which we can use technology to adapt the city’s transport system to meet the needs of those using it,” said London Council transport adviser Kulveer Ranger.

London Mayor Boris Johnson seems keen on bringing connectivity to commuters and has reportedly put pressure on UK networks to finish the delayed London Underground GSM network.

Johnson say he wants the entire capital to be covered with wi-fi by the 2012 Olympics.