Subway passengers in Glasgow will be the first in the UK to be able to use their mobile phones on underground platforms from today thanks to SPT's link-up with network operator O2 and transmission provider Arqiva.

The service will be available from Monday in the five busiest stations on the Subway network - Buchanan Street, St Enoch, Govan, Partick and Hillhead.

Passengers will be able to make calls, text, send picture messages, e-mail and access mobile internet while on Subway station concourses and platforms.

The launch of the new Subway mobile network coincides with the busiest time of year when Christmas shoppers and revellers will descend on Glasgow, the biggest shopping centre outside of London.

To celebrate the new service and to spread some festive cheer, a team of eight O2 'angels' will be giving away 2,000 free Subway tickets and mince pies at all five sites.

Gordon Maclennan, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), said: "This is a real breakthrough for us as the new technology opens up new lines of communications. It's great news that from today, O2 customers will now be able to use their mobiles at five of our busiest Subway stations."

Derek McManus, O2 Chief Technology Officer, said Glasgow was leading the way with the launch of the new technology, particularly in time for the busy festive season.

He added: "From today, shoppers in town will be able to phone or text friends and family about presents and meeting up, as well as arranging to meet for nights out or to alert family that that's them on their way home.

"The new technology will enable customers to make calls, send and receive text messages and access a host of data services while on the subway platform. O2 continually strives to provide the best service for our customers, and today's launch marks a first for the UK."

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