A bid to enable passengers to use mobile phones while travelling on London Underground trains in time for the 2012 Games has been shelved due to funding concerns.

Transport for London (TfL) and mayor Boris Johnson had been in talks with operators in a bid to progress the scheme, but said the cost would have to be met by the private sector.

In a statement, TfL said: "Given the financial pressures on TfL's budgets, any solution would need to be funded through mobile operators with no cost to fare or taxpayers."

However, it has been confirmed that wi-fi technology could be rolled out across platforms and public areas at London Underground stations in time for the Games.