3G mobile phone coverage installed at key locations

Reepham is one of the latest Norfolk communities in a rural mobile “not-spot” location to receive 3G coverage with Vodafone UK’s Rural Open Sure Signal (ROSS) programme.
 

L-r: Jeremy Brockman, Village Champion; Rob Matthews, Vodafone UK; Michele Savage, The Original Cottage Company; Peter Collins, Reepham High School & College; Graham Everett, Broadland District Councillor; and Keith Simpson MP. Photo: John Tym Photography

 
In the past, the town has suffered from unreliable mobile coverage and slow network speeds across all mobile networks.
 
The ROSS programme uses Vodafone’s Sure Signal technology to bring 3G voice services and internet access via mobile devices to communities in some of the UK’s most remote areas. About the size of a cereal box, the Open Sure Signal units connect to existing broadband lines to create 3G coverage, and are installed high up on chimney breasts or the eaves of buildings.
 
In Reepham, the units have been installed on Bank House in Market Place, Reepham High School in Whitwell Road and Reepham Garage Services on Collers Way Industrial Estate. Each unit has a range of about 200 metres.
 
The ROSS programme is a national initiative by Vodafone UK to provide reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-spot locations. Launched in July 2014, with support from local MPs, councils and rural action groups, the programme received an overwhelming response, with applications from communities across the country.
 
Vodafone explained that rural and remote locations often miss out on advantages provided by modern communication tools, owing to the complexity of delivering network coverage. This can be due to the geography of the area or difficulties with planning permissions in places of outstanding natural beauty.
 
The ROSS programme uses innovative “femtocell” technology to provide an alternative solution to bring 3G mobile access in locations where it is not possible for networks to provide coverage through traditional means.
 
Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UK chief technology officer, said: “Mobile connectivity is an essential service for communities and businesses to thrive in today’s digital world and support local economies. As part of the Rural Open Sure Signal programme, we are committed to investing in our network to provide access even in remote locations where it is otherwise almost impossible to reach.
 
“The amount of data passing through the units already shows the significant benefit the technology is making to members of these communities. I am really excited to see the transformation for Reepham and other Norfolk communities that have been successful for this pioneering programme.”
 
Reepham was one of the first 25 communities to be connected in the programme, said Dr Rob Matthews, electromagnetic fields (EMF) unit manager, Vodafone UK, at the launch of the ROSS programme in Reepham on Friday 20 November. “We are pleased to able to bring 3G coverage to Reepham with the help of the local MP and Village Champion,” he said. “But we could not have achieved this without the support of local people – or without their drive and local knowledge.”
 
Broadland MP Keith Simpson said: “I am delighted that Reepham residents are now benefiting from improved mobile coverage with the Vodafone Rural Sure Signal Programme. This is a wonderful example of local communities, councils and consumer organisations working together to deliver communications fit for the 21st century and I am pleased to have been able to help in securing this very important milestone for Reepham. With a lot of small businesses that rely on technology and communications, this is really good news for the community.”
 
Brenda Gostling, chairman of Reepham Chamber of Commerce, said: “In today’s high-tech world, a strong mobile phone signal is a key business requirement. The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal project has given us an enormous boost and we were delighted to have been selected. This will help to ensure the town’s economic sustainability in the longer term.”
 
Referring to Chamber member Jeremy Brockman, who took on the role of Village Champion for the project and acted as the liaison between the community, the hosts of the units and Vodafone, Mrs Gostling added: “Jeremy’s untiring determination has been absolutely key to making this project a success. The whole community should be hugely grateful to him and to those who have agreed to host the new signal-boosting equipment.”
 
‘Four bars in the Market Place’
 
Mr Brockman, who is also a member of Reepham’s Town Team, noted that although a bright and vibrant community, Reepham has always suffered from a poor mobile phone signal. "The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme will help support local businesses and tourism – and general connectivity,” he said. “I have already heard at least one person say they are thrilled that they can now get ‘four bars in the Market Place’.
 
"After looking at many potential sites since September 2014 – and around 400 emails later – three Open Sure Signal units have now been installed. This is a great example of a global multinational working together with a rural community. The challenge is now for the other mobile phone providers to improve their coverage.”
 
As well as using the Rural Open Sure Signal to plug rural “not-spots”, Vodafone is spending around £2 billion on its network and services across the country over 2014 and 2015. This includes the provision of high-definition (HD) voice technology on its 3G network and the extension of its 4G coverage to 690 cities and towns and thousands of smaller communities across the UK.
 
Dr Matthews added that the speed with which Vodafone takes Reepham forward into 4G coverage and faster services generally will depend on new fibre connections becoming available, but said that this could be “two or three years down the road”.
 
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Left to right: Dr Rob Matthews, electromagnetic fields (EMF) unit manager, Vodafone UK; Keith Simpson MP; and Jeremy Brockman, Village Champion for Reepham. Photo: John Tym Photography www.tympix.com

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