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Vodafone to extend rural 3G mobile broadband tech trial
Network operator Vodafone is looking for 12 rural communities to take part in a trial designed to boost 3G coverage.
The network operator is on the lookout for 12 rural towns and villages to take part in the project, which is due to get underway in early 2012 and will look to build on the success of a continuing trial in West Berkshire.
Villagers in East Garton have been using 'open femto' technology to improve 3G coverage in the area, with Vodafone eager to ensure the devices are suitably positioned.
Some femtocells have been located in payphones, while a partnership with Openreach, BT's local access network business, will shortly be extended with the mounting of units on telephone poles.
By rolling out the trial to 12 more communities, Vodafone is aiming to discover whether it is possible to replicate the current success of its East Garton scheme in other parts of the country.
The plan has been welcomed by Communications Minister Ed Vaizey, who urged villages and towns with little or no access to 3G mobile broadband services to consider getting involved in the pilot scheme.
He noted the government has committed to spending £150 million on extending rural mobile coverage, which he said can make a "huge difference to people's lives".
Vodafone chief executive Guy Laurence added: "Bringing mobile coverage and the benefits of the mobile internet to rural areas involves not just us, but local people, politicians and other infrastructure players all working together.
"We are confident that everyone will step up and help give rural communities a real boost and look forward to extending our trial."
The announcement comes in the same week that Ofcom published a report on the state of the UK's communications services, revealing just 13 per cent of the country's landmass can receive an outdoor signal from all five 3G networks.