Telecom Lead Europe: BT will have 500,000 Wi-Fi hotspots
in the U.K. for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The company will be the sole provider of public Wi-Fi on
the Olympic Park.
BT already has more than 475,000 hotspots in Greater London made up of
thousands of independent businesses and homes, plus outdoor hotspots across
Westminster.
BT Wi-Fi will complement 3G networks and allow users to download and upload as
much data as they like without the worry of going over their data allowance on
their mobile contract.
BT is installing an extensive high-density, Wi-Fi infrastructure, with nearly
1,000 access points across nine Olympic venues including the Olympic Stadium,
the Aquatics Centre, Velodrome and all public areas of the Olympic Park in
east London.
BT will bring the internet right to the fingertips of spectators and visitors
across London, so getting online during this busy period will be even easier.
With the UK’s largest Wi-Fi network, BT is proud to be giving users the
best-possible experience. BT has a proven track record of delivering the
large-scale, reliable communications that London will need this summer,” said
Andy Baker, CEO, BT Wi-Fi.
BT has cemented its position as the provider of the biggest Wi-Fi network in
the UK, with over four million hotspots, adding more than 600,000 in the last 6
months.
The 2012 Games will be a truly digital Games and this
enhanced Wi-Fi coverage is giving people additional opportunities to get
online, keep in touch and share their experiences during this exciting time,”
said Gerry Pennell, LOCOG Chief Information Officer.
Access is free for BT broadband customers and included in contracts for
millions of Android, iOS and other smartphone devices through BT agreements
with UK and international network providers. Customers should contact their
provider for information. Pre-paid Wi-Fi vouchers will also be available to buy
online for access at any of BT’s over four million UK hotspots including the
Olympic Park.