Wi-fi from the Tube, phone boxes, even bins

The charge is being led by mobile firm O2, which recently announced a plan to create Europe's largest free wireless network, covering the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.

O2's chief operating officer, Derek McManus, says: "This deal will see us deliver high-quality connectivity across London in time for London 2012. Our longer-term aim is to expand our footprint of O2 wi-fi, which is open to everyone, and also intelligently enhance our services at street level, where people need the network the most."

However, getting wi-fi on the streets is no easy task. As anyone who has struggled to get a decent wi-fi connection from their garden or spare bedroom knows, wi-fi base stations have limited range. Many are needed but on London streets it's hard to find somewhere to put them. Virgin Media believes it has the solution - the street-side cabinets that distribute its cable network into homes.

Chief executive Neil Berkett says the firm is in "quite advanced negotiations" with London councils over the plans, and he is optimistic that the roll-out will begin "in the not too distant future".

Even the Tube is getting in on the act. Within weeks, TfL bosses are set to announce who has won the tender to provide wi-fi access on 120 key commuter and Olympic route platforms. That deal is expected to provide access on platforms, though not yet on Tube trains themselves.

In the City, even the humble street bin is being used. Workers in the City will soon see the first recycling bins to display the latest financial news, and even Tube line updates.

Crucially, they will also act as wi-fi hotspots. It is hoped that the units will reach out to the half a million City workers who commute to and from the Square Mile every day.

Robin Hepburn, a senior member of the team at financial communications company Waughton, says: "There are currently 25 units [50 screens] around the City, with a view to 75 more being installed between now and the Olympics."

While the current rush of firms trying to turn the capital into a gigantic wi-fi hotspot may seem a little chaotic, hopefully the legacy for Londoners will be the ability to get high-speed internet access wherever they are - even if they do have to stand next to a bin to get it.