O2 customers to get free Wi-Fi on London Underground

O2 joins EE and Vodafone as wholesale partners for Virgin Media's Wi-Fi service

O2 customers will be able to access Virgin Media's Wi-Fi on the London Underground for free from today.

The mobile operator, owned by Telefonica, will join its rivals EE and Vodafone as wholesale partners for Virgin Media's Wi-Fi service.

O2 customers already signed up to O2 Wi-Fi through the app or via a hotspot will be automatically registered to London Underground Wi-Fi; customers that aren't signed up to O2 Wi-Fi can do so by downloading the app on Android or iOS.

In March last year, Virgin Media was awarded the contract to provide Wi-Fi on more than 80 London Underground station platforms for public access in time for the London Olympics.

Over the past year that has been extended to more than 120 stations.

Passengers can get Wi-Fi access within the stations, in ticket halls, escalators and on platforms but the service will not work in tunnels.

"We're excited to bring inclusive Underground Wi-Fi to all O2 customers," said Gary Booker, marketing and consumer director at O2.

"Our customers want to stay connected wherever they are and now they are able to check their email, update their Facebook status, shop online, book their next holiday and stay connected to their friends and family right across Tube stations in central London as part of their O2 service," he added.