Staying connected in Westminster just got easier. A new free WiFi trial, backed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, is rolling out across more than 50 locations in the borough, including libraries, street markets, and public spaces. The initiative, called Connected London WiFi, is designed to simplify public internet access with a single log-in, eliminating the hassle of signing up for different networks at each location.
Westminster City Council is leading the charge in making internet access more seamless, with the potential for the system to expand across London. The Labour-run council sees this as a crucial step toward tackling digital inequality by providing effortless connectivity to residents, workers, and visitors alike. “With the continued support from the Mayor of London – and potentially other London boroughs – we hope to roll out this WiFi network across the whole of London, and potentially beyond,” the council stated.
Instead of dealing with multiple sign-ups, users can now scan QR codes placed at participating locations, creating a single profile that will automatically connect their device to the internet whenever they enter another WiFi hotspot in the trial. Among the trial locations are Westminster’s public libraries, Berwick Street Market, the pedestrian-friendly Strand Aldwych, and Paddington Recreation Ground. The council is also exploring a future solution that eliminates the need for QR codes altogether.
“Every one of us has struggled to get high-speed mobile connections in central London, especially in busy areas such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden. That’s why so many people rely on using public space WiFi, but this can be fiddly and difficult to log in to,” said Geoff Barraclough, Westminster’s cabinet member for planning and economic development. “Westminster Council is proud to be the first council in the UK to launch a single sign-on WiFi network spanning multiple operators. Workers, tourists and Londoners will all benefit from easier connections to faster mobile broadband.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve London’s digital infrastructure. Howard Dawber, London’s deputy mayor for business and growth, highlighted its significance: “We want every Londoner and visitor to have the best experience possible – and our increasingly digital world means that’s much easier with a fast, reliable, seamless internet connection. Connected London WiFi is a vital step forward in our work to improve digital access across the capital, which has seen a massive jump in gigabit connectivity to homes and businesses, as we continue building a fairer and better London for everyone.”
As the trial runs over the next two months, its success could pave the way for a citywide rollout, transforming how Londoners and visitors access the internet across the capital.
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