Nokia and Spectrum Interactive are teaming up to bring free Wi-Fi to the streets of London. 

The service will be available to all Wi-Fi devices, so although it is rolling out in Nokia's name, anyone with a Wi-Fi-equipped device will be able to take advantage of a free connection.

Using Nokia Maps, you'll be able to find and locate the free Wi-Fi hotspots, with 26 hotspots scattered across London, taking in busy areas such as Oxford Street. 

To use the service, all you have to do is search for the Free Nokia Wi-Fi SSID from your device. After accepting the T&Cs, you'll get full internet access, albeit throttled to 1Mbps download speeds. The login step will only be needed the first time you connect, on subsequent visits you'll be automatically recognised.

Providing the access points is Spectrum Interactive, a leading independent Wi-Fi operator in the UK, covering hotels, airports, shopping centres and so on. Existing clients include British Airways lounges and Premier Inn, amongst others.

The hardware is actually installed in Spectrum Interactive's phone boxes (we've included a photo so you know how to recognise them).

Although the free Wi-Fi is being tested in London, Nokia is planning on expanding the service to other cities worldwide. The trial starts today (1 November) and runs until December, but will be competing with a wide range of other free Wi-Fi services in London, such as Pret A Manger or McDonald's.

The areas provisionally covered in the trial include: Oxford St, Tottenham Court Road, Bloomsbury, South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Lancaster Gate, Westminster, Sloane Square, Victoria and Marylebone.

Found any of Nokia's free Wi-Fi? Let us know in the comments below…