► Four island communities to get better mobile phone coverage
Tarbert is the first community in Scotland to receive 3G mobile phone coverage through
Vodafone’s rural not-
The Harris settlement has suffered from unreliable mobile coverage and slow network speeds.
The Vodafone's Rural Open Sure Signal scheme is a national initiative to provide
reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-
Tarbert is first Scottish community for Vodafone's 3G alternative mobile coverage
18 October 2015
Use of innovative ‘femtocell’ technology provides an alternative solution to bring 3G mobile access in locations where it isn’t possible for networks to provide coverage through traditional means.
The Tarbert community application was supported by Isles MP Angus MacNeil who is also backing bids from other Western Isles areas.
Mr MacNeil commented: “Mobile phone connectivity is important and it is something that we have been working on continuously for years. This is an interesting technology that brings signal from the Internet and provides hotspots.
“Hopefully we will see more of these in the islands in the main centres and ferry ports both for locals and visitors.
This also allows Vodafone to give a better coverage of service to any of its customers in or visiting the islands.”
Angus MacLeod of Hotel Hebrides, who is the Village champion for Tarbert, said: “Vodafone providing a 5 bar 3G signal in Tarbert is bringing the local population up to speed with what you expect in 21st century Scotland.
"It also makes the village more attractive to visitors who are the life blood of the local economy. In our own hotel trade, connectivity is becoming as important as hot water – and so we welcome Vodafone working together with our local MP to bring this technology to our rural community.”