V3.co.uk readers revolt over Tube mobile network plans

An overwhelming majority of V3.co.uk readers are opposed to recently unveiled plans to create a mobile phone network on the London Underground.

Last month it emergency that Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is to donate equipment worth over £100m to help with the installation of the network in time for the 2012 Olympics.

A source close to the negotiations told V3.co.uk that Huawei has discussed with Transport for London the work and equipment required for such a network, which is likely to have 3G capabilities, but said that nothing official has been signed.

However, 41 per cent of V3.co.uk readers said in a new poll that the Tube is noisy enough already without the prospect of passengers being able to use their phones underground.

A further 20 per cent thought that the plans could actually heighten the terrorist threat. Mobile phones have been used in the past to remotely detonate explosive devices.

Not all V3.co.uk readers were against the plans, however, with 26 per cent arguing that a functioning 3G mobile network would help boost worker productivity, not just for making calls but being connected to the internet.

Finally some 13 per cent backed the plans, but only if a UK provider is selected to build the network.

Huawei has struggled in the US to win big contracts because of suspicion of links with the Chinese government, which itself is suspected to have been involved in the Aurora hacking attacks on Google and many other firms.

Most recently Huawei was forced to pull out of a deal to buy US server firm 3Leaf after the Committee of Foreign Investment in the US raised such concerns.