Vodafone seeks rural communities for mobile coverage trial

[D.H]

Not much use for Southend as our broadband it too poor but maybe other parts of Kintyre have better broadband?

Vodafone is seeking rural communities from across the UK to participate in a trial to extend mobile phone coverage in not-spot areas.

Ideally the trial communities will have around 500 - 1000 people, will be mobile coverage not-spots but will have access to good broadband connectivity. This is likely to be via BT fixed-line access, although a wifi solution or broadband from another provider may be able to be used if available. more communities to provide coverage in areas where it is currently uneconomic or inappropriate to place mobile phone masts. We're therefore extending the trial to include an additional 12 communities and aim for them to begin their own trials in Spring 2012.

Communities should have hubs where people gather for work or leisure, such as a village hall, community centre, church, housing estate, pubs, trading estate, sports club etc. Larger communities will be considered as candidates, but depending on the circumstances Vodafone may not be able to provide coverage for all residents at their home addresses.

A major element in the success of an earlier trial in East Garston trial was the willingness of everyone involved to support the project, and such support will be key for these additional trials to succeed.
How to register interest

Vodafone are currently collating a list of interested communities and they are planning to draw up a potential shortlist in late December/early January. Communities should register their interest through their local MP, and the MP should then contact at julie.pearson@vodafone.com or at Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury RG14 2FN.

[argylltourist]

"..trading estates and housing estates..."

So that lets out most of Kintyre then!

I wouldn't have classed East Garston as particularly rural,but hey...