Passengers could be using mobile phones at London Underground stations by 2008 if a suitable technology provider can be found.

Mayor Ken Livingstone is seeking proposals from suppliers to kit out London's tube network with mobile phone transmitters, allowing commuters to make calls and use wireless internet services, digital radio and video.

The chosen supplier is expected to start testing the technology at one Underground station in 2006 before rolling it out across all stations from summer 2008.

'We know that many Londoners would like the convenience of being able to use their mobile phones at tube stations,' said Livingstone.

'We also want to see how the technology could be taken even further, for instance wireless internet so passengers could receive up-to-the-minute travel information via their laptop or mobile phone.'

London Underground says there are no plans to provide mobile phone reception on trains, but the service could be extended through tunnels and moving carriages.

It could also be used by London Underground staff to carry out work tasks and to assist customers.

Mobile phone operator Orange is in talks with several technology consortia to discuss the technological and commercial potential of the scheme.

'Orange has been investigating the potential of extending the mobile network into the London Underground for some time,' a spokeswoman told Computing.

One possibility would be to adopt microcell technology similar to that already used by Orange, O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone on the Tyne & Wear Metro (Computing, 19 February 2004).

'We already have a working network in the Metro underground in Newcastle so the technology required is already proven,' said the spokeswoman.

London Underground and Orange say further planning is required to tackle space, power and ventilation constraints.

What do you think? Email feedback@computing.co.uk

If you want to be first with the news, visit Computing every day.