The title compound, [Cu(2)(SO(4))(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(C(2)H(6)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), contains two crystallographically unique Cu(II) centres, each lying on a twofold axis and having a slightly distorted octahedral environment. One Cu(II) centre is coordinated by two bridging 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bipy) ligands, two sulfate anions and two aqua ligands. The second is surrounded by two 4,4'-bipy N atoms and four O atoms, two from bridging sulfate anions and two from ethane-1,2-diol ligands. The sulfate anion bridges adjacent Cu(II) centres, leading to the formation of linear ···Cu1-Cu2-Cu1-Cu2··· chains. Adjacent chains are further bridged by 4,4'-bipy ligands, which are also located on the twofold axis, resulting in a two-dimensional layered polymer. In the crystal structure, extensive O-H···O hydrogen-bonding interactions between water molecules, ethane-1,2-diol molecules and sulfate anions lead to the formation of a three-dimensional supramolecular network structure.