How to get Internet Access on the Tube

Virgin Media’s Tube Wi-Fi network has become a great service for commuters and passengers since it’s launch to help visitors for the 2012 London Olympics, stay connected whilst travelling. Now, thanks to deals with networks, it is essentially a free service to almost all people who use a mobile phone.

If you are a customer of the EE (including Orange and T-Mobile), O2, Three and Vodafone network, then you can get free Wi-Fi on the London Underground system as part of your contract. It also goes without saying really, if you are Virgin Media broadband and mobile customer, then you also can receive the service for free.

You can access the Internet via the network on numerous London Underground stations.

But what do you do if you are not on one of the major networks? Or you are a tourist or are visiting London. I’m afraid you will have to pay.

Tube Wi-Fi access for those of you that do not have a contract with the above-mentioned carriers will be a pay as you go type service. You will need to pay for a daily, weekly or monthly pass. The pricing structure is straightforward. It will cost £2 per day, £5 per week or £15 per month for a Virgin Media Wi-Fi pass.

There are now 150 stations that are already running Wi-Fi, which Virgin Media. The list is in an alphabetical guide here. The Stations most covered are the more central stops like Oxford Circus and Liverpool Street, but there are also plenty of more-remote ones. The latest stations to have been outfitted with the service are Wimbledon, Richmond, East Ham, Barking, Upminster and Morden.

You can connect to the service via a holding page when you first try to access the network. This page will give you several options. If you are with one of the carriers that will allow you free access, then you just need to log in through their individual section by tapping on the logo. You will then be asked for your mobile number and a PIN code that you must get beforehand. (You should check with your individual network carrier for more information). For example EE, asks their customers to send a text to a specific number that will return a PIN code.

If you are paying for a daily, weekly or monthly pass then Virgin Media requires you to register first on their dedicated Tube Wi-Fi internet page: my.virginmedia.com/wifi.

[Image via neprote]

SOURCE: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/118430-how-to-get-wi-fi-on-the-london-tube-for-free