LONDON'S last haven from the sound of ringing mobile telephones looks set to disappear after plans to feed networks into the Underground were announced.

Technology firms have been invited to tender for contracts to carry out the work needed to send signals into the vast Tube network.

That means that commuters will soon be able to use their handsets while traversing London's underbelly.

Those who take comfort in phone companies' inability to operate on the network have been assured that the benefits of the plans outweigh the inconvenience caused by irksome ringtones.

The plan was revealed at Mayor Ken Livingstone's weekly press conference yesterday.

Mr Livingstone said: "We know many Londoners would like the convenience of being able to use their mobile phones at Tube stations throughout the Underground network.

"We also want to see how the technology could be taken even further, for instance wireless Internet so passengers could receive up-to-the-minute travel information via their laptop or mobile phone."

London Underground director, Richard Parry said: "Our research has shown that there is strong support amongst Tube customers for the provision of mobile phone services within Tube stations.

"Of course, passengers can already use mobile phones on the overground sections of the Tube, which accounts for over half of the total network."

LocalLondon's top five London Underground ring tones:

The Jam - Going Underground.

The Clash - Train in Vain.

Abba - Waterloo.

Robbie Williams - Angel(s).

The Jam - Down In The Tube station at midnight.