Plans for mobile phone access across London’s Tube access has been abandoned due to its potential cost and complexity. New research reveals how the average Londoner feels about the U-turn.
Independent research commissioned by comparison site Broadband Expert reveals that – as well as Boris Johnson – 70% of Londoners will be disappointed by the news that mobile access on the tube has been shelved.
The comparison site surveyed 1,306 City dwellers in March to find out that the vast majority backed plans for a communications network on the underground in time for the 2012 Olympics.
However, Transport for London and the interested mobile operators have since agreed that the project will be too complex and costly to roll out. As such, plans for the underground mobile network have been abandoned.
Climate control
Though according to the research it is not all bad news: Out of those surveyed, 79% saw air conditioning on the underground as a more important feature than a mobile network.
Broadband Expert director Richard Patterson says: “Our results confirmed that Londoners are indeed very keen to get connected underground. But it also showed that they’d prefer to see resources spent on the more basic of needs – to feel comfortable and relaxed when travelling in temperature controlled carriages.
“Four underground lines with air conditioning installed are due to come into operation in 2013, but this is too late for Games. Using the budget allocated for the mobile network to roll it out faster might help Transport for London take the heat out of its decision to ditch its ambitious communication plan. With summers feeling hotter, it’d be welcome news for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Summary of results:
• 70% of females are in favour of mobile coverage underground compared with 69% of men.
• 82% of 16-17 year olds; 78% of 18-24 year olds; 61% 35-45 year olds want to get connected underground.
• 84% of 35-45 year olds see air conditioning as a priority over mobile coverage on the tube compared to 65% of 16-17 year olds.
www.broadband-expert.co.uk