Emergency Mobile Number in London Tube Emergency?
Forwarded email claims that dialing 112 on one's mobile phone during an emergency in the London underground diverts the call via satellite, so it's a better way to contact authorities than dialing 999.
Description: Email flier
Circulating since: July 2005
Status: False
Email example contributed by Carlene A., July 25, 2005:
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Important Number you should note If you travel to work on the tube please note the following information: ALL phone companies have signed up and as it is a satellite service it also gives them a trace to you if you don't know where you are. |
Analysis: False. This rumor was addressed on the London Underground's "Ask Tube" Web site as follows:
Question:According to a BBC News report, plans are in the works to extend mobile phone service coverage to all underground stations by 2008, but no such coverage exists as of this writing (2005).
I have just received an email saying that if I dial 112 on my mobile phone on the tube, it wil connect to the police via satellite. Is this true?Answer:
This email is incorrect. Mobile phones will not work in tunnel sections of the Tube. We are, however, developing technology to allow customers to use their phones in stations.112 is the European number for the police.
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Sources and further reading:
Fake Tube Safety Email Spreads
BBC News, 28 July 2005Mobile Phone Plan for Tube Users
BBC News, 22 March 2005
Last updated: 07/28/05
