Mobile pilot

TWO SHETLAND communities plagued with poor mobile phone reception have been shortlisted for a pilot project to improve coverage.

The Vodafone Open Femto trial will see broadband connections used to boost mobile phone signals via a local base station.

Hamnavoe and Walls are amongst communities UK wide that have been selected. Unst and Wormadale have been placed on the reserve list.

The development was welcomed by isles MP Alistair Carmichael, saying that poor mobile phone signals remained a real problem in the northern isles.

“The fact that four communities in Shetland remain in the running indicates the scale of the difficulties facing people in many parts of the isles.

“Any solutions that could boost coverage need to be explored fully. News that Walls and Hamnavoe are on the formal shortlist for the next stage of Vodafone’s pilot project is a positive step in this regard.”