So Owen might be for it and the public might be against it, but what are the real benefits for businesses if we get this increased access on our way to work?
Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at Quocirca, claimed there could be some real positives for the commuter.
"[With] data the ability to do email, get news or find out about timings and platforms of connecting trains etc might be really useful," he told IT PRO.
"In many respects that might offload the network overcrowding impact at locations, such as mainline stations, as commuters might have already done what they needed to do en route."
Bamforth also thought many would enjoy being able to use their mobiles either for "distraction or business" but rules would need to be put in place to keep everyone happy.
"Given the noise, packed carriages etc voice calls would be a bit of a pain for both those making and those surrounding them," he added.
"If they need to shout to be heard, that's a recipe for arguments and we'd need to see more quiet zones' or something similar."
Mile End of the road
Despite all the noise about mobile underground this week, there is still a long way to go until we hit this final destination.
On Monday, Johnson spoke at Finsbury Park Station to highlight the fall in crime on the capital's public transport network but could not avoid the questions around mobile coverage.
He said it was both "commercially" and "technically difficult" and urged caution about getting too far ahead of ourselves.
Admitting a lot of people wouldn't be pro the idea, Johnson said: "We have been unable to do it because our tunnels are so narrow, but in the long run it is progress. I think it is the way to go and we have got to give people the ability to text and perhaps have some coverage for voice telephony."
He added: "The issue is not so much the Chinese company that is offering to help or security issues. The issue is the technology given we have got very old and narrow tunnels. I am not ruling it out but I am not ruling it in either.
"It is on the way but do not count your chickens."
