Free Wi-FI for London Underground passengers during the Olympics

Whether you're in town for business or staying in luxury accommodation in London to enjoy the Olympic Games this summer, you can benefit from a new scheme which will see free Wi-Fi internet access on the London Underground.

Residents and visitors to the capital will be able to keep up with the latest Olympics sporting action, send emails to friends and family back home or check in with the office at over 80 Tube stations thanks to the new scheme, which is the result of a partnership between Virgin Media and London Underground.

From July 2012, all Tube passengers will be able to connect to the internet at stations for free, allowing the influx of visitors for the Olympics to stay up-to-date with news and events listings, review the best spots for lunch and discover London attractions.

Following the Games, Wi-Fi at Tube stations will still be available on a Pay-As-You-Go basis, while the system will be used to offer passengers the latest travel information thanks to the free online portal.

"It's vital that we harness the massive opportunities stemming from the digital revolution, by creating a vibrant, world class industry to attract investment and create jobs for Londoners," said London mayor Boris Johnson.

"Millions of passengers will now be able to connect to their work, friends or access the latest news and travel information whilst on the move.

"This is a fabulous new and free resource which will be in place from this summer when London is being showcased on a global stage and playing host to millions."

It follows the recent news that mobile phone and 3G systems are to be installed in the Channel Tunnel in time for the London Olympics, giving Eurostar and car shuttle passengers the ability to make phone calls and access 3G internet services during their journey.