Tube safety hoax

In the wake of bombings in London in July 2005, a chain letter began to be distributed across the internet claiming commuters could reach the emergency services even when underground by calling 112. The chain letter claimed that this would connect mobile phones to a satellite, even if the phone had no signal.

Whilst it is true that calling 112 will connect to the emergency services just like 999 (the number traditionally used in the United Kingdom), it is not true that the number can be used when there is no mobile phone signal.

Furthermore, even expensive satellite mobile phones require a clear "line-of-sight" with the satellite in order to operate, and so will not work on the London Underground system.

Sophos recommends people do not foward the chain letter onto fellow computer users, as it provides no useful function.

The text of the chain letter reads as follows:

Important Number you should note

If you travel to work on the tube please note the following information: If your mobile phone has no signal (so even if you were in a tunnel) if you dial 112 it diverts to a satellite signal and puts you through to the 999 call centre. 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.

Another version of the chain letter reads as follows:

This is worth knowing if you get the tube. It goes straight to emergency services.

From someone who was on a First Aid course....

We were told about a very under publicised but very useful emergency number.

If your mobile phone has no signal (so even if you were in a tunnel) if you dial 112 it diverts to a satellite signal and puts you through to The 999 call centre.

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.

I thought this was worth sharing please pass it on.............................

If you receive this or a similar message, please do not forward it to your friends and colleagues. Forwarding unsolicited chain letters wastes time and bandwidth.