Speaking at a conference to help firms prepare for London 2012, the Mayor of London urged businesses to act now and make use of the capital’s rapidly-expanding Wi-Fi networks.
"The 2012 Games will be the first truly-digital Games and will mark a milestone towards my aim to make London the digital capital of Europe,” Said Johnson. “So get online, stay in touch and make sure you’re not left standing on the starting blocks.”
Phone and broadband provider BT is set to ramp up its number of Wi-Fi hotspots in the capital to 500,000 for the Olympics while Transport for London (TfL) are launching a new website for businesses, enabling them to plan ahead by offering detailed transport information during key dates of the event.
Prepared and ready
“It is absolutely vital that London’s small and medium-sized businesses, the backbone of the capital's economy, are fully prepared and ready to take advantage of every opportunity hosting the greatest show on earth brings,” Johnson added.
“Having the latest transport information at their fingertips is a huge part of this as is boosting the capital’s Wi-Fi network allows employees to work virtually anywhere, stay in touch with clients and get the most up-to-date travel information.“
The Mayor then watched as new information, showing how the busiest stations and locations across the Tube and road networks will be affected during the Games, was presented to businesses for the first time.
Olympics transport minister Theresa Villiers said: “The Games will have an impact on getting around London and it's important that businesses start planning for this now.”
Underground Wi-Fi
TfL is currently searching for a provider to supply Wi-Fi to 120 Underground stations, helping Londoners and visitors stay informed while on the move. There are also plans to create a series of Wi-Fi hubs using bus stops near to and around tube stations.
“The Department for Transport is helping to lead the way as a London employer,” added Villiers. “We’re committed to reducing our travel footprint by 50 per cent during Games time.
“The Games will give this country a massive boost and deliver a legacy for London and the UK that will be felt for decades to come.”
Earlier this year, BigHospitality published its very own practical, four-part Planning for the 2012 Olympics guide, providing you with everything you need to make your hospitality business a winner during London 2012.