Vodafone brings back free wifi to Underground after shutting down the service near two years ago

Relaunched wifi for 260 Tube stations

Vodafone has brought back WiFi on the London Underground after shutting the service down in June 2021.

Then it said not enough people were using the service, which was a discretionary add-on and never part of payment plans, when it was launched in 2012.

The network now says the wi-fi service is back due to customer demand.

At the time it shut down the wifi, Vodafone  said:

“Free access to WiFi on the London Underground has always been a discretionary service and therefore never part of any of our customer price plans.”

The relaunched wifi is connected to the BAI Communications system and will cover more than 260 stations across the Tube network.

The wifi adds to Vodafone 4G and 5G coverage at some stations and tunnels as part of ongoing improvements to bring mobile coverage to the wider Tube network.

Last month, the Northern Line became the latest Tube line to get Vodafone 5G at Archway and Tufnell Park stations, with more stations on course to be connected later this year across central London.

Andrea Dona, Vodafone’s UK Chief Network Officer, said: “Our customers who regularly use the Tube have told us that having access to WiFi is extremely important to them, so we’ve listened and reactivated the service on a new, more reliable system, that is easy-to-use and provides a seamless experience.

“Alongside our newly-arrived 4G and 5G signal, we hope the new service will ensure our customers have the connection they want and expect while travelling across the capital.”

Billy D’Arcy, CEO UK and Ireland at BAI Communications, which is operating the service on behalf of TfL, said: “We are delighted to now be supporting WiFi on the Underground for the customers of all mobile operators.

“Having WiFi at key stations on the Tube, alongside the 4G and 5G we are rolling out, is another really important way for passengers to stay connected to their digital lives, boosting efficiency and productivity across the capital.”

Mark Evers, Chief Customer Officer for TfL said: “It is great that Vodafone customers are now able to benefit again from free WiFi at London Underground stations, which has been a massive benefit for those using the Tube for more than 10 years.

“These latest improvements to our WiFi system, as well as the introduction of 4G and 5G coverage at stations and within tunnels across the network, will make it easier for customers to plan their journeys as well as stay in contact with friends and family while on the move.”