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Tube strike: Confused commuters pile on to Virgin Media’s Underground WiFi

Virgin Media has noted a spike in sign-ups for its London Underground-based WiFi network since the onset of the latest bout of strike action. 

The first of two 48-hour strikes called by transport workers’ union RMT has caused a 50 per cent increase in the number of new registrations on the wireless network, which now covers 137 London Underground stations

On a typical morning, traffic on Virgin’s WiFi network peaks at around 8:35am, but on Tuesday April 29 it peaked at 8:50am, as workers scrambled to check for travel updates, email colleagues and retweet hilarious messages like this one

Tube strike: Confused commuters pile on to Virgin Media’s Underground WiFi
London commuters, displaying characteristic poise and calm

This is despite the overall number of devices using the network being down by a third of its regular volume, something Virgin is chalking up to people electing to either get the bus or work from home.  

The service is free to Virgin Media customers as well as EE, O2 and Vodafone mobile customers. Three customers and those visiting the capital need to fork out for a daily, weekly, or monthly pass for access. 

Whether you get the service for free or not, you’re required to register your mobile number with Virgin Media before you can use it. 

Daily passes cost £2, while weekly passes are priced at £5. Currently Virgin Media is offering those who cough up for a monthly pass priced at £15/month an extra month free. 

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