Commuters want mobile web but not mobile noise

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News that Transport for London (TfL) plans to trial mobile phone coverage on the London Underground from next year has received a mixed reaction from commuters, with many worried that their only sanctuary from incessant noise will be no more, according to a survey published today.

Some 65 per cent of public transport users said they would find people talking on their mobiles on the below-ground parts of the tube an irritant, found the research conducted by mobile and internet test and measurement expert Keynote Systems.

However, despite the concern that their peace and quiet may be disrupted by the arrival of mobiles underground, most commuters generally welcome the idea of being able to access the web or send e-mails while traveling, with almost 80 per cent of survey respondents saying they'd take advantage of the connectivity if it were available.

The ability to check location and travel information also appeals to many, with 70 per cent of those questioned suggesting that this would be their main reason for embracing such a service.

"Using a mobile for voice calls and text messages on the tube will no doubt be useful, but as the results show, most respondents would prefer to check travel information and send or view e-mails," said Haran Sold, vice president and managing director Keynote Systems in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"With the demand for the mobile internet rising, it is vital that TfL tests every aspect of mobile phone usage and continues to monitor to ensure frustrated commuters are not also left frustrated by their mobiles."

Interestingly, Keynote's survey also discovered a strange trend in people's use of the mobile web at present. Some 67 per cent of respondents currently use the mobile internet at home, while just 30 per cent actually use it for its intended purpose when on the move, specifically while traveling on public transport.

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