Rural not-spot communities begin to have broadband

Residents of the Cotswold town of Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire will now be able to make calls and browse the internet over a 3G mobile network for the first time, after the community was named as the first of 100 rural towns and villages to receive coverage under Vodafone’s Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

Minchinhampton resident and village champion Stephen Hemmings said the area is looking forward to experiencing the benefits of 3G mobile services first-hand and expects it will boost the village's rural economy.

Local MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said he was delighted Minchinhampton is the first successful applicant for the Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

"This scheme will be a huge benefit to the local community, helping businesses to connect with their customers and allowing people to stay in touch with their family and friends.,” he said.

Vodafone’s programme to address the thorny issue of mobile not-spots has been backed by both the National Association of Local Councils and the Countryside Alliance.