Mobile network access will be available in Glasgow's subway stations by December, according to The Independent Wednesday.

UK mobile phone and broadband provider O2 has teamed up Arqiva, a transmission company, and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to establish a “multi-user distributed antenna system” that would offer the UK's first ever mobile communications in the subway.

"It's a first for Glasgow and it opens the door for wider WiFi coverage in the Underground in future. Accessibility and connectivity are key parts of our continuous subway modernisation programme," said Gordon Maclenna, SPT assistant chief executive.

The Independent reported that the project would initially be provided in the “busiest” stations, including Buchanan Street, St Enoch, Kelvinbridge, Hillhead and Partick.

Even though coverage would be restricted to the stations platforms and open spaces, the technology may be expanded in order to offer network access throughout the tunnels. Users would be capable of using 2G services like voice calls and text messaging and 3G features like downloading data and streaming video clips, according to The Independent.

There is a possibility that the project would spur similar initiatives in southern parts of the UK.

"We continue to liaise with Transport for London, particularly in relation to the communications for the 2012 Olympics," said an O2 spokesman.