Vodafone has announced it will bring its 3G technology to 40 more rural communities, bringing the total up to 100.
This is the third and final wave of communities to be announced by the UK mobile operator to join its Rural Open Sure Signal programme. Launched in July 2014, the programme installs Vodafone’s Sure Signal technology, providing remote areas with voice services and access to the internet via 3G.
Rural communities from areas including the Shetlands, Northern Ireland, the south west coastline and East Anglia were encouraged to submit applications. November 2014 saw Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire become the first community to go live under the programme.
The initiative has received strong support from local MPs, councils and rural action groups. Last year, culture secretary Sajid Javid pledged his support for tackling rural ‘not-spots’.
Vodafone is also investing in its network and services to extend its 4G coverage across the UK. The operator is clearly seeing expanding opportunities in offering the service, having also recently launched a new 4G-based Wi-Fi Cube.
