Virgin Media set to withdraw free Tube Wi-Fi next week

[Qtx]

Vigin Media's wireless broadband network on the London Underground will only be free to everyone for another week.

The broadband provider is scheduled to start charging non-customers for Wi-Fi access on the Tube from February.

"Until the end of January 2013 we're giving everyone full internet access for free. After that, full internet access will only be available for no extra cost to customers of Virgin Media and selected providers, or available to buy as Wi-Fi passes," the firm explained.

A message posted by the broadband provider on Twitter this week confirmed the Wi-Fi service - launched for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - is "changing".

So far, Virgin Media has activated wireless broadband at 92 subterranean stations across the capital.

"We're working to get as many stations Wi-Fi ready as quickly as we can," the firm noted.

"You'll know when you're in an enabled station because you'll see the Wi-Fi logo in the ticket hall and around the station."

Link

[denphone]

That was always the plan.

[Qtx]

Originally Posted by denphone

That was always the plan.

I don't recall seeing any set date for this before but that is not to say there wasn't one. I am sure the ones who this may effect will be gladly of the reminder...

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by Qtx

I don't recall seeing any set date for this before but that is not to say there wasn't one. I am sure the ones who this may effect will be gladly of the reminder...

Everyone who has used the service have got an email of some description to advise of the changes too.

This will affect 02 and 3 customers, as EE and Vodafone have a deal with VM - link

[KierenAris]

It was originally meant to end for everyone in September (edit: "end of summer"), if I remember rightly, but was extended.

You can register with these links for free WiFi after January 29th:
Virgin Media http://customer.virginmedia.com/wifi...elftransition/
Everything Everywhere https://tubewifi.ee.co.uk/index.php?vmcode=XGH-K56
Vodafone http://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/internet/wi-fi/index.htm

Or register for a pass here: https://wifipass.virginmedia.com/w/R...urnUrl=%2fw%2f

Full list of stations here: http://my.virginmedia.com/wifi/station-guide.html

[RichardCoulter]

Very helpful, it was kind of you to take the time to provide all this information

[aliferste]

Originally Posted by denphone

That was always the plan.

I believe that is how drug dealers start you off, give you it free until your are hooked and then start charging you

[RichardCoulter]

Many businesses lure people in like this. At one time all of the Sky channels, including movies andsport, were free!

It's a bit like asking when corporate hospitality becomes bribery

Originally Posted by aliferste

I believe that is how drug dealers start you off, give you it free until your are hooked and then start charging you

I think they said it would only be free during the Olympics though?

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by Top banana

I think they said it would only be free during the Olympics though?

They did originally

http://www.zdnet.com/virgin-media-ge...ct-4010025630/

That article dated March 14, 2012 -- 17:16 GMT

The Mayor of London's office announced on Tuesday that many London Underground stations will get Wi-Fi access in summer 2012 through a deal with Virgin Media. More than 80 stations will have the service in the summer, with up to 120 stations in total connected by the end of 2012.

The service will be free initially, becoming chargeable at an unspecified rate after an unspecified sporting event — widely thought to be the Olympics — occurring in the capital during the summer, Virgin Media told ZDNet UK, although it intends to keep the service free for its existing customers. Travel information will remain free for all.

[dilli-theclaw]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Many businesses lure people in like this. At one time all of the Sky channels, including movies andsport, were free!

It's a bit like asking when corporate hospitality becomes bribery

At least we can agree on this...

This is why I wasn't at all surprised by a certain ex-member who went completely ott about VM.

When I asked him about this behind the scenes it turns out it was ALL because he got given an iPad from VM and was asked to promote it online.

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by dilligaf1701

At least we can agree on this...

This is why I wasn't at all surprised by a certain ex-member who went completely ott about VM.

When I asked him about this behind the scenes it turns out it was ALL because he got given an iPad from VM and was asked to promote it online.

I wondered why he became a pain the butt. Thanks for the info Dilli

[Skie]

I used the wifi a few weeks ago for the first time. Pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to sign-up and now that it's going paid how easy it was to authenticate as an existing customer. It just asks for things everyone in a household would know, rather than asking for things like account numbers etc that you would never have on you.

[MalteseFalcon]

So as a Virgin customer, I can use WiFi on the Tube if I ever go on it? Very rare for me to go on the Tube now, about once a year. Used to be at least twice a week a few years ago. Bit expensive now from Hertfordshire to get into London.