Nokia trials free Wi-Fi hotspots in London

Manufacturer teams up with wireless provider Spectrum to run free hotspot trial from phone boxes across London ahead of 2012 roll out Nokia has teamed up with Wi-Fi provider Spectrum Interactive to run a trial of free Wi-Fi hotspots across London. The trial will initially offer free wireless internet access at 26 locations across central London, including Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Bayswater from November 1 to the end of the year. After the trail, Nokia and Spectrum are planning a large-scale roll out across the capital, starting in early 2012. The trial is designed to assess demand and browsing behaviour among customers using the service. The Wi-Fi hotspots will be broadcast from telephone boxes equipped with routers (pictured) which were recently upgraded with DSL internet connections. Nokia head of marketing John Nichols said: “On-the-go internet access has become an indispensible part of modern life. “From tourists finding their way around the capital, to commuters updating Facebook or browsing on the move, we all depend on mobile to share our everyday experiences and enhance our lives. “Nokia is pleased to sponsor this pilot which we hope will connect people even more easily than ever before.” Spectrum Interactive executive chairman Simon Alberga said: “While 4G mobile access is firmly on the horizon, Wi-Fi coverage currently fills a much needed niche between 3G mobile internet and home broadband. “Tablets and mobile phones are capable of incredibly high-end browsing experiences now, but Wi-Fi access is often a requirement to support the tasks many of us want to be able to do on the move, such as uploading multimedia to Facebook or watching YouTube. “It’s great to be able to implement a service that so many people will quickly come to regard as indispensible.”