Brussels metro stations to be equipped with wifi, not metro cars

While passengers will be able to log on to the free wifi network wifi.brussels in all Brussels metro stations by the end of 2017, wifi access from inside the metro cars is not planned for the immediate future, clarified STIB spokesperson An Van hamme to Bruzz.

"The wireless network is available in the paid area of the station," she explained. "From behind the gates to the platform."

Since last week, travellers can use free wifi at the Porte de Hal metro station. The other 68 stations are scheduled to be equipped with the service later this year and next year. But online access while riding in the metro car is not included in the current planning. "Technically, it is possible, but not planned at this stage," Van hamme said.

"Equipping the stations with wifi is quite quick and easy to do,” according to Eric Laureys, spokesman for Bianca Debaets, Brussels minister for digitisation. “But wifi installation in the metro cars is much more cumbersome and expensive."

"In London and Paris, the underground stations are also equipped with wifi, but not within the cars themselves," points out Lore Vandoorne, spokesperson for Brussels mobility minister Pascal Smet.