Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Scotland's
biggest regional transport partnership has signed a contract with
Arqiva's Wireless Solutions division to develop the UK's first
subway mobile phone network.
Through the contract Arqiva
will design and deploy a combined cellular and
Wi-Fi network across 15 Glasgow Subway stations. Deployment of
the network will begin later this month, with initial testing at
Buchanan Street Subway station.
SPT said the network would enable customers to use the internet
and mobile phones when at these stations, and provide public access
to Wi-Fi services. A spokeswoman for SPT said, "There is potential
to use the network to enable passengers to use their own mobile
phone to get up to date travel information."
The network could also allow SPT to update its platform
information systems and provide online ticketing using live data
feeds.
If the pilot goes to plan SPT plans to roll out the network
across its largest stations.
Gordon Maclennan, assistant chief executive of SPT, said,
"Glasgow sets the standard of being the first city to provide both
2G & 3G phone and Wi-Fi coverage on the subway. The new network
should also reassure our customers that we are regularly responding
to changing passenger needs. Any application which enhances
passenger safety and delivers better services is high on our
agenda."