Like many rural communities, Reepham has suffered from a poor mobile signal, which although can be seen as a quirky charm, has also been the source of frustration over the years.
 
After a high-profile campaign and the submission of a bid to the Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal 100 programme, the telecommunications company will be rolling out 3G coverage to the centre of Reepham along with other communities in Norfolk, including Salhouse, Saxthorpe and Martham.
 
The programme is part of a £1 billion investment that Vodafone is spending on its network and services across the UK this year.
 
With the installation of Vodafone’s innovative sure signal technology, the local community will benefit from high-quality 3G voice services and access to the internet via mobile devices.
 
While there remain issues with other networks, this is a positive step forward for Reepham which will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.
 
Special thanks go to Jeremy Brockman, who managed the project on behalf of the Reepham Town Team, and said that he is “delighted for Reepham. This is a really important step for a rural community. Getting this far has been a real community effort. As a keen advocate of technology I want the best for Reepham.”
 
Brenda Gostling, chair of the Reepham Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Town Team, said: “We’re delighted to hear that we have been selected. Reepham can now compete with the very best in rural business hubs in the UK and our businesses can make the most of all the mobile telephone technology that is being made available. It’s great news.”
 
The need to secure mobile reception was one of a number of issues highlighted by the Reepham Economic Strategy, which was commissioned by Broadland District Council and led by Ingham Pinnock Associates, with input and support from the Reepham Town Team.
 
The success of the Vodafone bid can now be added to a long list of this community group’s achievements, which include resuscitating a major Christmas event as the Festival of Light and securing a new life for the Dial House.
 
See our earlier news stories:

• Reepham chosen to receive Vodafone 3G mobile coverage
• Reepham Town Team seeks better mobile phone coverage
• Reepham’s businesses frustrated by mobile phone ‘not spot’