Mobile VoIP solutions users could take advantage of London Wi-Fi

Owners of mobile voice over internet protocol (VoIP) solutions may find that one of the few obstacles to enjoying the very best of the technology can be an inability to locate adequate broadband connections while on the move.

However, those in London will no longer have such a problem, after a new Wi-Fi scheme was announced by O2.

The network is to implement a free Wi-Fi service in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, which will bring top internet connections to smartphone, laptop and tablet consumers.

It is due to be the largest free wireless hub anywhere in Europe and millions of people will benefit from the launch – including mobile VoIP solutions users looking for a platform over which to make and receive calls.

Councillor Philippa Roe, cabinet member for strategic finance at Westminster City Council, put into context just how many people the plan could benefit.

She suggested there are 250,000 residents, more than 500,000 employees and 4,000 new business every year located in the London borough.

Derek McManus, chief operating officer at O2, said: "Our £500 million annual network investment programme is focussed on integrating new layers of technology into the existing network to enable a seamless and sustained customer experience.

"We are driven entirely by our customers' needs and believe that services should be delivered in the best possible way, across multiple networks and supported by different technologies."

It could mean businesses in London have a new reason to invest in mobile VoIP and other internet-based telecommunications tools.

VoIP calls can be cheaper and more efficient to run than those made via traditional telephone technology.

Figures released recently by IHS iSuppli found there will be a spike in demand for broadband services between 2011 and 2015, with 60 per cent more users due to sign up in this time.