News / Call for communities to get 3G signal
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is calling on local communities to apply for a Vodafone programme that could bring 3G mobile broadband to a number of rural areas.
Following the successful Rural Open Sure Signal trial, which includes a pilot scheme in Walls, the communications giant is now extending the initiative to 100 communities across the UK.
Scott said the scheme did not offer a “complete solution” to the problem of patchy mobile coverage but was one step in the right direction to improve the situation for some communities.
Rural Open Sure Signal technology is based on the company’s widely used sure signal box that brings 3G coverage to homes and businesses.
Westside councillor Frank Robertson who lives in Walls said the 3G signal in the village was reliable and working well.
“I certainly would recommend it to other communities,” he added.
Scott said access to high speed and reliable broadband was incredibly important to people in Shetland.
“However, for many in more remote parts of the isles, this service is simply unavailable.
“Although the scheme is by no means a complete solution to the problem, having seen the benefits which the initial pilot has provided in Walls where people are now able to make calls and use good quality mobile internet, I am asking people in areas with poor or non-existent coverage to get in touch so we can make the case for them in the same way Walls has already benefited from this initiative,” he said.
More details of the scheme including an application form and a case study featuring local firm Shetland Mussels can be found here.
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