Ok, so you go to the big city for a few days and don’t want to miss out on reading your email, watching YouTube videos and seeing what everyone is up to on Facebook. How and where can you now do it without spending a lot of time and money in Internet cafes?
1. While at the Tube station. As well as “strenuously avoid any eye contact” and “puzzle over the strange subterranean wind systems” you can now add “get connected to the internet for free” to the list of things you can do to pass the time on the London Underground. Well, almost. The plan is to have this service up and running in time for the 2012 Olympics and at the moment Charing Cross is the place where you can get hooked up to the BT Internet network on a trial basis. The next batch of 16 stations should be with us shortly.
2. While eating a Big Mac. Now you can satisfy your unhealthy junk food cravings and log on at the same time. Result. Just be careful not to drip ketchup onto your laptop.
3. While coming over a bit posh. If you prefer to sip a coffee in more elegant surroundings then Pret A Manager (Pret if you are really hip) will let you do just that. If you like your coffee a lot then you can pop into Starbucks later on to finish off your online activities.
4. While in the Square Mile. In 2007 the City of London launched arguably the most ambitious Wi-Fi project in Europe of its time, and this means that anyone in the Square Mile can now log on. You need a PC or other Wi-Fi enable device first of course.
5. While in your hotel. You might have to nip down to the lobby but a lot of hotels now offer a free connection for visitors staying with them.
6. While eating healthy. Leon is where to go if you want to nibble on a sweet potato falafel wrap while reading this site.
7. While having a drink. The full range of Wetherspoon pubs in London now offers free Wi-Fi to their customers. However, sending emails to your boss while a bit sozzled is not recommended.
8. While drinking in some culture. The Tate Modern is a huge art gallery which opens till late and has free Wi-Fi hotspots you can use.
9. While waiting on the train. St Pancras Station is another place to get connected while in the capital.
10. While anywhere. If you download the Free Wi-Fi for London app for your iPhone then you can instantly find out where the nearest hotspot to you is located and head over to it.
