O2 to offer mobile coverage on Glasgow subway; London Underground possibly next

O2 UK has announced a deal that will see the cellco offer wireless coverage to the Glasgow subway system. The contract, negotiated with transmission provider Arqiva and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), will initially allow O2 to provide coverage in five of Glasgow’s busiest subway stations, although it may be extended in the future to further stations and trains themselves. The launch is expected in December 2008, with O2 using an antenna system provided by Arqiva which will allow 3G services including video and internet access. The scheme is one of the first in the UK, and O2 has indicated that it could act as a precursor to similar services being offered elsewhere, with the London Underground mooted as a possible target.