O2 will offer free WiFi for the 2012 Olympics

MOBILE OPERATOR O2 will provide free WiFi connectivity for the London 2012 Olympics.

The deal is in conjunction with Westminster city council and will be up and running before the games begin next Summer, according to The Financial Times (FT). O2 has beaten Virgin Media and Sky to get the deal.

The INQUIRER spoke with O2 this morning, and it confirmed that the deal is being talked about but hasn't been signed off and approved yet. The FT said it is expected to be signed and announced next week.

The service will provide users of smartphones, tablets and laptops with free and unlimited WiFi access. O2 will begin installing the network next month throughout the borough's lamp posts and bus stops so it will be ready in time for the games.

It is likely that the WiFi will continue to be available after the Olympics finish, although probably not for free. Other London councils might follow suit and arrange a similar service. µ