BT hails progress of Olympics Wi-Fi rollouts

Telecommunications giant BT claims its on course to meet its target of creating 500,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across London in time for the 2012 Olympics.

The firm has been talking up the business benefits of the 475,000 Wi-Fi hotspots it has set up across the capital so far, claiming they will help commuters forced to work remotely during the Games.

The company has also confirmed that it will be the sole supplier of public Wi-Fi within the Olympic Park and will provide close to 1,000 access points across multiple venues, including the velodrome and aquatics centre.

BT broadband customers will be able to access the Wi-Fi services for free. Pre-paid vouchers will also be available to buy online for people that want to make use of any of the company's four million hotspots within the UK.

Andy Baker, chief executive of BT Wi-Fi, said getting online during the Games should not be a problem.

"BT has a proven track record of delivering the large-scale, reliable communications that London will need this summer," said Baker.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, added: "This is fantastic news...for London's businesses who will continue to reap the benefits of this boost to the city's ever expanding digital infrastructure long after the Games are over."

Image provided by LOCOG