O2 WiFi Extra automatically connects customers to strongest available signal.

Called O2 WiFi Extra, it authenticates the user with the WiFi network via the SIM card, negating the need for customers to register or sign in. To protect privacy and maintain security, data transmitted between the device and the access point is encrypted.

"It's a great step forward for our customers. They'll get the best data service available to them as well as being able to stay safe and secure online, wherever they may be," said Robert Franks, managing director of O2 UK's digital commerce business, in a statement.

O2 UK operates WiFi networks in 11,000 locations thanks to partnerships with nationwide retailers and restaurants including McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Manchester City Football Club, Debenhams, and The O2 arena in Greenwich, among others. It also has hotspot agreements with the London boroughs of Westminster, and Kensingtonand Chelsea, and the Canary Wharf area.

O2 UK operates WiFi networks in 11,000 locations including McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Manchester City Football Club, Debenhams, and The O2 arena in Greenwich.

O2 WiFi Extra will gradually roll out to these locations over the next eight weeks.

"Delivering O2 WiFi Extra's capabilities on such a large scale for our customers is a first for a U.K. public WiFi provider," claimed Franks.

Total Telecom