Shenzhen Metro disruption leads to calls to ban Wi-Fi devices on subways_美文

Shenzhen Metro disruption leads to calls to ban Wi-Fi devices on subways

Metro companies in a number of cities approached by China Daily on Monday said they never had services interrupted by unknown or Wi-Fi signals.

Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, the main operator of Shanghai's subway lines, said no signal interference has ever occurred on metros in the city despite metro lines 6 to 11 using the same CBTC system as their wireless communication system.

"But the interference is possible in theory," said Yang Di, a manager at Shentong.

Jia Peng, spokesman for Beijing Subway Operation Co, said the signal system of subway networks operated by the company never experienced problems like the case in Shenzhen and he firmly believes in the safety of Beijing's subway signal system.

"The CBTC system we use is the most widely used signal system in the world and also the most tested," he said.

Despite the confidence of some metro operators, mobile communication experts said it remains a concern that portable Wi-Fi signals can be a potential hazard to subways using CBTC.

About the broadcaster:

CJ Henderson is a foreign expert for China Daily's online culture department. CJ is a graduate of the University of Sydney where she completed a Bachelors degree in Media and Communications, Government and International Relations, and American Studies. CJ has four years of experience working across media platforms, including work for 21st Century Newspapers in Beijing, and a variety of media in Australia and the US.