Boris Johnson Plans Underground Internet Access

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is supporting plans to install Wi-Fi hotspots in Underground stations across the capital to allow commuters the ability use mobile broadband whilst taking their daily journeys around London. Mr. Johnson plan would see London become one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, though the cost of such an achievement may not be financially viable.

The idea was first introduced 5 years ago by then mayor Ken Livingstone, though at the time the costs made it virtually impossible. Thanks to today’s advanced technology, the possibility of such a breakthrough is far more achievable, though still at great cost. Only last month Mr. Johnson addressed a Google conference about extending London’s internet coverage in time for the 2012 Olympics with the help of Europe’s largest broadband provider, The Cloud. Plans to increase the capital’s broadband capabilities would include installing hotspots in street lights and bus stops, making London’s free roaming internet one of the best in the world.

Mr. Johnson said -

The truth is that I’m on the side of progress if we possibly can do it. We could do it because I do think people want the facility of looking at their BlackBerrys. There are big technical difficulties. It’s very expensive.

Having spent a vast majority of my life on London’s public transport, the possibility to work, communicate and most importantly to me, PLAY whilst on the move could be a double edged sword. The thought of people bringing out their expensive laptops and phones on the tube to communicate may seem like progress, but it could also cause a lot of nuisance through noise (have you ever sat on the bus next to someone on their phone!) and may also turn the Tube into a muggers paradise! Personally I’d rather keep my expensive personal belongings in the safety of my pocket…

whilst reading someone else’s paper over their shoulder!

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