Mobile phone coverage arrives on tube

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 10 Sep 2008 at 10:33

O2 is bringing mobile phone coverage to Glasgow's underground rail network, making it the first line in the UK to receive subterranean coverage.

Britain trails other European nations in offering mobile access to underground train passengers, though the metro system in Newcastle, which is partly above ground, has offered underground mobile services for years.

O2 says the Glasgow system could be a precursor to similar services being offered elsewhere in Britain, including the sprawling London underground.

The service, due to begin in December, will initially be confined to five of the busiest stations and platforms in the city's subway system, but may later be extended to include other stations and the trains themselves.

Phil Kendall, wireless analyst at research firm Strategy Analytics, claims the move to offer more underground mobile access in Britain was long overdue.

"We're definitely a little behind the curve," he says. "Commuters are a pretty good market in terms of extra use, so there's definitely good revenue potential."

O2's Glasgow service will use an antenna system provided by broadcast and mobile technology group Arqiva. It will allow third-generation services such as video, internet access and multi-media messaging as well as voice calls and texts.