More than three quarters (76 percent) of Brits are unhappy about plans to install a mobile network in the Tube, says GoodMobilePhones.
It was revealed yesterday that Chinese firm Huawei is bidding to provide £50m-worth of telecommunications equipment to the UK to create a mobile network in London's underground rail network .
According to the Sunday Times the network is likely to be installed in time to the Olympics, which will be held in London next year. Vodafone and O2 are expected to foot the bill for installation of the network, while Huawei, which plans to give the equipment to the UK free of charge as a gift from one Olympic nation to another, expects to earn income from maintenance fees.
Research by the mobile phone comparison site revealed of the 1,094 web users polled, 31 percent are worried about the potential threat of being mugged for their phone on the underground, while 16 percent said they were concerned about how much it would cost to make calls from their handset when using the tube.
Furthermore, 14 percent said they expected stress levels and violence to rise as commuters may get frustrated by other passengers making calls.
The main reason given by those who thought a mobile network on the Tube was a good idea was that it would "increase safety" and make it easier to contact the emergency services in the event of a crisis.
"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," said Mark Owen, founder of GoodMobilePhones.co.uk.
"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."
See also: O2 mobile phones to work on underground
Comments
Offbeat Dave said: Some sense from 76 of respondants Having been in the capital this weekend to see a couple of shows I had begun to lose all faith in society when during the interval of both shows every fourth seat was lit up with mobile screens half on facebook half on games I didnt know whether to laugh or cry but there is a glimmer of hope that we arent doomed as a society with this survey Completely unnecessary Instead of developing in on the tube they should find a way to block network coverage in theatres
Chris Mac said: Given everybody sits on the Tube with their handsets out Angry Birdinglistening to musicwhatever anyway I dont see any issue Would be nice to get the inevitable Im running late texts from the wife I suppose en route rather than having to wait until she is already late
David Staples said: 76 of Brits or 76 of LondonersThis is the first Ive heard of it not London based you see