Mobiles on the underground?

Glasgow City Council recently announced that communters would be able to use their mobile phones on the Glasgow underground. Usage is currently restricted to the concourse and platforms, but it is the first step towards enabling mobile communication whilst travelling underground. The Glasgow International Financial Services have welcomed the news for the 30,000 workers based in the financial district.

It will be interesting to get some real feedback from the commuters themselves, to assess the value of ‘always on’ communication channels.

For me I couldn’t see it working on the London underground. Firstly I think there are going to be some serious quality issues, I struggle to get reception on my overhead train, let alone getting a crystal clear connection in the depths of London’s underground. Secondly there is an annoyance issue, loud iPods, broadsheets being opened up in packed carriages and military style backpacks already test the patients of a saint.

The underground is bad enough, without having to listen to the drivel of my fellow passengers.

This is obviously a personal opinion, would you like to see mobiles on the London underground, let’s vote and see what you think.