Surf in the sky: O2 Wifi arrives at the Coca-Cola London Eye

• O2 announces world’s first free, High Density Wifi-network on a continually moving structure, allowing visitors to capture and share their experiences as they go around
• Innovative technical solution beams high-speed Wifi coverage to 32 capsules without using cables or satellite technology

O2 today announces that O2 Wifi is being made permanently available on the Coca-Cola London Eye – the UK’s most popular paid for visitor attraction – following successful trials.

Whilst enjoying unrivalled views of the city, the 32 newly-connected capsules will now offer visitors from all countries and all mobile networks access to a seamless and secure connection to the internet during their on-board journey.

The new O2 Wifi service has proven particularly popular with tourists, who account for approximately 20% of users according to analysis on behalf of Merlin Entertainments, which owns London attractions including the Coca-Cola London Eye, Madame Tussauds London and the London Dungeon. Of these foreign visitors, Americans comprised the biggest group (16%), followed by Germans (8%) and Italians (7%).

The analysis also reveals that the service is enabling visitors to make the most of their experience by giving them free access to social media and online travel guides, with Facebook, Instagram and TripAdivsor proving the most popular.

O2 leads with world first in HD Wifi technology

O2 is the first UK mobile operator to launch a free, HD Wifi Network on a continually moving structure.

The system has been designed to beam Wifi coverage between 16 fixed access points on the iconic London Eye structure, without using fixed cables or satellite technology. The installation extends the High Density O2 Wifi network already installed in ground level areas, and marks the world’s first HD Wifi-network on a continually moving structure.

O2 Wifi is available to all members of public, regardless of their standard network provider. To access the service, visitors simply need to register using their mobile number. O2 customers connect automatically.

Robert Franks, Director of Digital at O2, commented: “We’re delighted to help Merlin Entertainments take their customers’ experiences to new heights. Our innovative, high density O2 Wifi solution is a world-first, offering seamless connectivity for customers throughout the iconic London Eye adventure. So whether it’s sharing a selfie, posting a photo of the stunning skyline or finding information about London attractions, visitors will be able to do this seamlessly and for free as they go around.”

Sunny Jouhal, General Manager of the Coca-Cola London Eye, said: “We are delighted that this project has enabled us to further add to the London Eye customer experience alongside our 4D Cinema Experience and interactive Samsung Galaxy Tab in-capsule guides that are already included free of charge for every ticket holder. We knew that the ability to deliver a continual Wifi service would be technically challenging, and I am delighted to say that O2 has delivered us an exceptional solution.”

To find out more about O2 Wifi, visit http://www.o2.co.uk/connectivity/free-wifi