Say goodbye to free WiFi on Prague trams and in metro stations

The city is gradually withdrawing the service and will now focus on providing LTE access in metros across Prague

Samantha Tatro

Written by Samantha Tatro Published on 07.07.2020 09:32:12 (updated on 07.07.2020) Reading time: 1 minute

The Prague Transportation Company has started to phase out WiFi access in trams across the capital city, instead shifting their focus to offering WiFi in subways across Prague, according to  iDnes.

Three years ago, officials started a pilot program to offer high-speed WiFi in six tram stations in Prague with promises to expand to further stations.

Last year, transport officials announced they would not continue to expand the program. Now, the company will start removing WiFi access at those tram stops; the access will be gone in a matter of months.

“Wi-fi was little used and very expensive. When most people currently have data on their mobile phones and many have unlimited data, it is better to introduce a signal in the metro and thus improve services for passengers,” Deputy Mayor for Transport Adam Scheinherr told iDnes.

Similarly, the WiPrague program, which provides internet connection at a number of trams, was ended as well. The program covered trams since 2015 and faced some criticism for slow speeds.

“The connection was unstable, moreover, the whole of Prague is covered by a high-speed LTE network, which provides customers with many times more comfort in mobile and data services,” Petr Witowski, CEO of the transport company, told iDnes.

Instead, the city is focusing on providing LTE WiFi access in metros across Prague. The LTE access is already available in more than 20 stations, with future stations on the list. With LTE, passengers can use data as well as make phone calls underground with this access.

By the end of 2022, Prague officials expect the entire metro station network will have LTE coverage for passengers.

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