Transport for London had hoped to bring mobile reception to the London Underground in time for the Olympics, but now the plans have been put on hold due to budget cuts.
The original proposal was for Chinese company Hauwei to supply equipment to the telecoms company Thales who would install and run the equipment, which would then connect out to the mobile operators.
However, changes to budgets meant the emphasis for the costs was moved to the mobile companies who weren’t interested in funding the entire project. Luckily for the long suffering London Underground users, they won’t be hearing…
“HELLLLOOO….I’M ON THE TUBE, CAN YOU SPEAK UP….HELLOOO”.
Just before Londoner’s and those visiting the capital breath a collective sigh of relief, the plans to include wireless Internet on The Tube are still going ahead so there is still a risk that some phones might work.
London Links:
Things to see in London (mobiles not required)
London hotel accommodation (mobiles cheaper than hotel phones)
