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London dwellers rejoice, it looks like EE is bringing free Wi-Fi to the London Underground — though the 4G network says the exciting news was revealed in error.
Update: Virgin Media has confirmed that both EE and Vodafone customers will be getting the free Wi-Fi service. That means EE, Orange, T-Mobile, Virgin Media and Vodafone mobile customers will get free Internet on the Tube. Those on O2, Three and other networks are left out however, at least for now.
EE tweeted, “From early 2013, EE customers will be able to get Wi-Fi access on the London Underground at no extra cost. Details soon.” That tweet disappeared shortly after it was sent, but not before a screenshot was nabbed by Omio.
I asked EE what was going on, and was told the tweet in question was “posted in error”, with the operator also adding, “we have nothing to announce at this time.”
My guess would be that the free Wi-Fi service is coming, but wasn’t supposed to be revealed yet. In another, as-yet-undeleted Twitter reply, EE confirms the service’s imminent launch for a second time, once more mentioning the 2013 release date.
Virgin Media already offers free Wi-Fi on the Tube, a deal introduced for the Olympics that was recently extended until next year. As Virgin Media’s mobile service operates on EE’s network, it makes sense that Branson and company would link arms with the new network for a Wi-Fi deal.
You can currently get Wi-Fi at 72 Tube stations in the nation’s capital, with 120 of the total 270 stations in line to get the Internet service. You can’t use it in tunnels though, so you’ve got to be quick if you want to fire off an email before you lose signal.
It’ll be interesting to see whether other networks will offer tube Wi-Fi, or whether only those on EE will be treated to underground tweeting and compulsive Facebook checking.
Do you use Wi-Fi on the Tube? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Image credit: Omio
