Commuters could soon be able to make calls and browse the internet on the Tube

Commuters could soon be able to make and receive calls and browse the internet on the Tube
Nigel Howard

Commuters could soon be able to make and receive calls and surf the internet while on the Tube, under new plans from the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

The London Underground, which has long been a mobile reception-free zone, could become fully connected, with a major contract up for grabs to provide the service to the hundreds of thousands of people who use the Tube each day.

Telecoms companies will be invited to bid for the contract after next week’s election, according to the Financial Times.

Many Tube stations currently offer WiFi on platforms but not while travelling on trains.

London falls behind Paris, New York, Berlin and Tokyo which all allow passengers to use mobile phones in the same way as if they are above ground.

Mobile phone coverage on the Tube will mean more passengers can use their phones 24/7
Shutterstock

But Tanya Goodin, who founded organisation Time To Log Off which promotes “digital detoxing”, criticised the plans which will see another public realm lost to technology.

“I just think we are running out of places where we can escape from our phones and from work,” she told the Standard.

“It used to be planes were a refuge from work and now they are introducing WiFi.

“And if the Tube does as well where are the places where people can switch off.”

Ms Goodin, who founded the company two years ago and now runs retreats to help prevent digital dependency, added: “It’s a shame really.

“On our commute it’s a really good idea to de-stress and detox and prepare yourself for work.”

The move to improve mobile phone reception on the Tube comes as part of Sadiq Khan’s plans to boost the growth of digital connectivity across the capital.

Earlier this year he advertised to recruit London’s first ever chief digital officer in a bid to digitally transform public services “to the next level”.

A source from the Mayor's office said introducing mobile phone coverage onto the Tube is certainly the Mayor's ambition and more details are set to be released soon.

Transport for London said: “We are keen to offer full mobile phone coverage for our customers.

“The introduction of this would need to be commercially viable and would follow engagement with staff and customers.”

Previous talks between TfL and telecoms companies have broken down without an agreement, the Financial Times reported.

Among the companies who have been suggested as likely to bid for the contract include BAI Communications and Wireless Infrastructure Group.

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