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Londoners say “no” to mobile phones on Underground

Posted: 23 February 2011 | Nicholas Jackson | No comments yet

A recent poll reveals that 76 percent of Londoners don’t want an underground wireless network for the London Tube…

Following the recent announcement that Chinese technology company Huawei plans to introduce mobile phone coverage to the London Underground, a recent poll reveals that 76 percent of Londoners don’t want an underground wireless network for the London Tube.

Mark Owen, Managing Director of Good Mobile Phones

Mark Owen, Managing Director of Good Mobile Phones: "The news of the underground mobile network certainly has caused quite a stir, but I am surprised to see so many people are against it."

The poll, carried out by mobile price comparison site GoodMobilePhones.co.uk, questioned 1,094 Londoners, and the majority were against the installation.

The main reason given for not wanting underground coverage was the increased risk of thieves targeting display devices. Whilst 31 per cent of those against the system rollout feared muggers, 16 per cent were worried about underground coverage increasing their monthly bill and a further 14 per cent gave increased aggravation at having to listen to others’ conversations as their main reason against the plans.

Marc Owen, the founder of GoodMobilePhones.co.uk, said: “The news of the underground mobile network certainly has caused quite a stir, but I am surprised to see so many people are against it. Not only would it mean you could make calls on the tube, but it could be a great success in the case of any emergency.”

He added: “There are obviously risks with having increased usage of mobile phones on the tube, but these are things that can be sorted. Having an underground mobile phone network is the next logical step, following in the footsteps of Paris and Hong Kong, who have had no major problems.”