Glasgow - wireless underground

Subway to be first WiFi/3G transport network in UK

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and technology firm Arqiva are to provide a combined cellular and WiFi network for Glasgow's 15 Subway stations. Under the agreement, Glasgow will become the first UK city to provide rail passengers with combined 2G and 3G cellular mobile and WiFi access.

Arqiva Wireless Solutions division will begin deployment of the network later this month, with initial testing at Buchanan Street Subway station. The new network will enable Subway customers to access the internet and mobile phones at stations, and provide public access to WiFi services. SPT will make use of the new technology to update ticketing systems and other administrative applications.

Gordon Maclennan, assistant chief executive of SPT, said: “This is a real milestone for SPT as the state of the art technology employed will realise our ambition of continuous improvement to services on the Subway. Accessibility and connectivity are vital in today’s fast moving technology environment and I’m delighted that SPT has enabled Glasgow to set the standard of being the first city to provide both 2G and 3G phone and WiFi coverage on the Subway."

Howard Williams, business development manager for Arqiva Wireless Solutions Division, added: “As the UK moves closer to wirelessly-enabled areas the benefits that wireless networks, such as the one contracted by SPT, can provide are being recognised and cities need to capitalise on this. In its entirety, the network is not just about meeting the needs of the general public; it is also about generating cost savings and efficiencies for the organisation and its counterparts."