Nokia and independent WiFi provider Spectrum Interactive are trialling a free WiFi service on some of the busiest streets in London, including Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. It’s available from today for the rest of the year from hotspot locations in 26 telephone boxes owned by Spectrum Interactive. If the trial proves a success, the companies plan a large-scale rollout across London from early 2012.
Simon Alberga, Executive Chairman at Spectrum Interactive, said “While 4G mobile access is firmly on the horizon, Wi-Fi coverage currently fills a much needed niche between 3G mobile internet and home broadband. Tablets and mobile phones are capable of incredibly high-end browsing experiences now, but Wi-Fi access is often a requirement to support the tasks many of us want to be able to do on the move, such as uploading multimedia to Facebook or watching YouTube. It’s great to be able to implement a service that so many people will quickly come to regard as indispensible.”