Virgin Media has launched the first of its Wi-Fi hotspots on the London Underground. From today, coverage in the subterranean train stations has been launched in two stations, with more being added over the next few weeks.

Up to 80 Tube stations across the capital will be connected by the end of July and 120 stations are expected to be live by the end of 2012.

A free Wi-Fi portal will allow commuters and visitors to get TfL travel information and content from selected media partners.

Working in partnership with Transport for London, Virgin Media is also offering free internet access during the Olympics. After that, a charge for the service will apply unless the user is an existing Virgin Media customer.

Neil Berkett, CEO, Virgin Media, said: "This is a truly historic moment as we connect millions of Tube passengers to the wonderful world of the internet for the first time ever. Our plans for getting London Underground online were very ambitious from the start and, in less than just three months, we've launched a major new service, making London one of the world's leading connected cities."

To use the new free Wi-Fi service, London Underground passengers need to connect to the service and register their email address. Virgin Media will block adult sites on the new Wi-Fi service utilising a Nominum content filtering solution

Passengers will be able to get online throughout connected London Underground stations: from the ticket hall, on the escalators and on the platforms. Users will be also connected whilst on a train in a platform but WiFi will not work in London Underground tunnels