Transport for London, the managers of the London Underground network, are carrying out research into the costs and consequences of installing mobile phone transmitters underground.
The group is studying 4 deep level inner city stations to investigate the scheme which would provide voice calls and access to data services by 2008. Previous surveys have indicated that although passengers are keen to have a signal on platforms and in stations they would not want to use their phone in the train or in a tunnel.
One major drawback to the scheme would be that a mobile phone signal could be used to remotely detonate a bomb on the tube. There are also objections from campaigners concerned about emission levels in confined spaces like train carriages.
It appears inevitable that the mobile phone network will spread to the tube but detailed surveys need to be carried out to make sure passengers needs are taken into account.
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It sounds like a good idea but I don’t think it is neccessary to have mobile phone access on the underground. I think the sound quality will be low and there could be interruptions throughout. I probably use the underground for about one hour a day and can go without my mobile phone then.