15th January - Strathclyde Partnership for Transport ( SPT ) and network operator Arqiva have announced a ground breaking deal to provide a combined cellular and Wi-Fi network across the 15 Glasgow Subway stations.

Under the agreement, Glasgow will become the first UK city to provide 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.

This unique WiFi project is part of the massive programme of Subway modernisation and efficiencies being undertaken by SPT, which sees great potential in using WiFi technology to migrate some of its existing applications and services, including ticketing, onto the network.

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.

“The new network should also reassure our customers that we are regularly responding to changing passenger needs. Any application which enhances passenger safety and delivers better services is high on our agenda.”

Howard Williams, Business Development Manager for Arqiva Wireless Solutions Division, said: “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.”