O2 to create largest free Wi-Fi network in London in time for Olympics

Mobile operator O2 has announced it will create what it claims is Europe's largest free Wi-Fi network open for use by both residents and visitors to the areas of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea in time for the Olympics later this year.

The project will begin during January with the necessary equipment installed on street furniture, such as lampposts, and could be extended further across the capital in the future, according to the firm's chief operating officer, Derek McManus.

"This deal will see us deliver high-quality connectivity across London in time for London 2012," he said.

"Our longer-term aim is to expand our footprint of O2 Wi-Fi, which is open to everyone and also intelligently enhance our services at street level, where people need the network the most."

The councils covered by the network said the project would not cost the taxpayer any money. Philippa Roe, cabinet member for strategic finance at Westminster City Council, said the network would ensure those attending the Olympics would have the best possible experience.

"Next summer's Olympic Games mean London will be putting on the biggest show on earth," she said.

"As Westminster has a starring role, visitors to London will easily be able to share their pictures and updates of the Olympic events across social networking sites."

The rollout from O2 follows on from its work to trial a 4G network across London in preparation for the auctions of the 2.6GHz and 800MHz spectrum bands expected to take place at the end of 2012, which will offer vastly improved speed and data capacity limits.

The creation of free Wi-Fi hotspots in London is growing, with Nokia announcing in November that it was offering 26 hotspots across the capital as part of the launch of its Lumia 800 Windows Phone device.