Nokia launches free Wi-Fi service in central London

Only a week after the annual Nokia World 2011 conference in the British capital, the company has just started a trial of its new Wi-Fi service in central London.

Launched this morning, the service will be available until the end of the year, providing high-speed network free of charge from various hotspots around the capital.

This is part of a trial Nokia is starting, from which, if the service is deemed a success, could become permanent starting in early 2012.

These hotspots, 26 separate in total, are spread across central London with major focus on the West End and shopping district as well as places of interest for tourists.

According to the BBC the service provides speeds of 20Mbps, but the download speeds are limited to 1Mbps per user, while upload is half that of the download with only 500Kbps, so not so “high speed.”

Yet, even though the download speed limitations, unlike most of the other providers of such service, this one is a one-click-and-go, meaning that there is no need to provide any information neither is there the need to pay a subscription, all there is to do is accept the terms and conditions before getting the access.

Connection can be established from any wireless compatible devices while Nokia and Windows Phone smartphone users will be able to find the hotspots locations through the Maps application.

Moreover, Nokia revealed that if the service is successful, the company could introduce the same kind of service to developing nations, such as India and Africa, where mobile network coverage is not the best to say the least.

Source