Thames covered by WiFi blanket

The uninterrupted broadband coverage spans 12 kilometres right through the heart of London.

Thames Online is offering free access for the first 5,000 users registered.

We tried out the network on the beach in front of Oxo Tower Wharf, and although the signal was not particularly strong, it worked surprisingly well.

The Thames is playing an increasingly important role getting Londoners to work with more than 2,000 commuters a day now travelling by river.

“Over the past few years, services and information on the river have greatly improved and this facility is another great development," commented TfL's Mike Weston. "Regular commuters on the river will now be able to access the internet from their laptops whilst on the move."

Once the free trial is over, Thames Online will offer unlimited usage for less than £10 per month. Access to the network will be ‘pay as you go'.

Thames Online says that this is just the start of an evolving network and it is with public and private sector organisations to expand the network inland on both banks of the river.

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