http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5060400.html
THE Subway has unveiled plans to give mobile phone coverage
underground - and is to trial internet access.
A phone network could be set up for all 15 of Glasgow's tube stations
connecting up one of the city's last no-go zones.
And wi-fi trials are to be staged in Buchanan Street early next year
which, if successful, will be extended to all stations in spring.
Talks between train operators Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
and technology providers Arqiva are at an advanced stage and the race
is on to get the phone system running before next summer when the
Commonwealth Games evaluation committee visits Glasgow.
It's thought Glasgow's growing reputation as one of the best
connected cities in the world will boost our chances of hosting the
2014 games.
SPT bosses want the scheme to go live as soon as possible to enhance
security and keep customers happy, though initially, at least, it
won't be possible to use phones on the trains themselves.
SPT has invited Arqiva to come on board as they already operate a
network of discreet transmitters in Glasgow city centre.
The tiny devices can be found on the sides of buildings and deliver
good coverage to thousands of mobile phone users from various networks.
As a neutral network provider, Arqiva also has the potential to
transmit wi-fi services, which allow people with an enabled device to
connect to the internet cordlessly when near an access point.
A report which gives the coverage deal between SPT and Arqiva was due
to go before SPT at their latest meeting today.
An Arqiva spokesman said: "Glasgow could potentially be the first
city to offer this connectivity to its Subway commuters.
"There are ongoing experiments in London but nothing has been finalised.
"We already operate a number of what we call city cells in Glasgow
which means the cellular and wi-fi access is already very good there.
"We hope to agree contractual terms early in the New Year. There is a
real buzz about Glasgow becoming the first wireless city and we want
to be part of that."
An SPT spokeswoman said today: "We are in talks with Arqiva about
providing mobile phone coverage in the 15 Subway stations. "
15/12/06
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