The country's biggest Wi-Fi network has been launched in London. Thames Online will provide about 12km of seamless coverage - from Westminster to Greenwich - along the river.

Taking to the water is an increasingly popular option for frustrated commuters. The codeCreation/Meshhopper joint venture uses mesh architecture to provide a "robust service" from hotspots along the riverbanks.

Thames Online is offering free access to the service until April for the first 5,000 to sign up. Apparently, about 500 punters have taken the plunge so far.

The canny folks at Thames Online explained to El Reg the free scheme will give the company free testing feedback on its network. Once the trial period is over, access will cost £2.95 an hour, or £9.95 a month.

The hope is to extend the network further inland over the next year by working with public and private sector partners.

The City of London announced it had awarded a big Wi-Fi contract on Tuesday. ®