Bad news -- it looks like mobile phones may work on the Tube after all,
according to that ever accurate source, the Evening Standard. So no more
cutting off of noisy phone callers as the train enters the tunnel.
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http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23880176-boris-johnson-wants-mobile-coverage-on-tube-in-time-for-2012.do
Boris Johnson wants mobile coverage on Tube in time for 2012
Pippa Crerar, City Hall Editor
20.09.10

Commuters could use their mobile phones and Blackberries on the Tube by
the 2012 Olympics.

Boris Johnson is in discussions with the UK's big mobile phone companies
to share the £100 million cost of setting up mobile coverage.

It would mean Tube passengers could stay in mobile range throughout
their journey, a move which could boost the capital's economy, although
there would almost certainly be some quiet carriages on Underground
trains where phones were banned.

The Mayor is also understood to be pushing for mobile coverage on
Eurostar services.

He is nearing an agreement with the five main operators — Vodafone, O2,
Orange, T-Mobile and 3 — over the final funding details.

However, City Hall insisted that it would not cost commuters or
taxpayers a penny.

Mr Johnson's predecessor Ken Livingstone also held talks with operators
about the scheme but the plans were never realised.

While the move is technically possible, project costs have so far been
prohibitively high.

The Mayor is understood to have taken it upon himself to “bash heads
together” in the mobile phone industry to make sure the plan goes ahead
this time.

Mr Johnson first revealed his plans at the State of London debate in
June. But he also said: “There are big technical difficulties. It's very
expensive.”