Mobile phone service launched in Channel Tunnel

TRAVELLING on the Eurotunnel? Well you can now send a tweet, make calls and browse the web after the tunnel was linked up to the outside world.

Eurotunnel and the French mobile telephone operators, Bouygues Telecom, Orange and SFR have worked with equipment supplier Alcatel-Lucent to install a mobile telephone and internet service for travellers.

The service will work on both the Eurostar and Shuttle trains, with the equipment installed in 10 months offering the chance to stay in touch with friends 100 metres below sea level.

The French operators will provide 2G/3G network coverage in the south rail tunnel
(France to UK traffic), while the north rail tunnel (UK to France traffic) will be covered by British telecoms operators after the Olympics.