Reepham is to have mobile coverage following the successful bid by Reepham Town Team to the Vodafone National Rural Not Spot Programme.
Like many rural communities, Reepham has suffered from a lack of mobile signal, which although can be seen as a quirky charm, has also been the source of frustration over the years. After a high profile campaign and the submission of a bid to the Rural Not Spot Programme, Vodafone will be rolling out 3G coverage to the centre of Reepham along with Salhouse, Saxthorpe and Martham.
The Rural Not Spot Programme is part of a £1 billion investment which Vodafone is spending on its network and services across the UK this year. With the installation of Vodafone’s innovative sure signal technology, the local community will benefit from high quality 3G voice services and access to the internet via mobile devices. Whilst there remain issues with other networks, this is a positive step forward for Reepham which will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.
A special thank you has to go to Jeremy Brockman who managed the project on behalf of the Reepham Town Team, Jeremy said that he is ‘delighted for Reepham. This is a really important step for a rural community. Getting this far has been a real community effort. As a keen advocate of technology I want the best for Reepham.”
Brenda Gostling, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce and member of the Town Team, said that “We’re delighted to hear that we have been selected. Reepham can now compete with the very best in rural business hubs in the UK and our businesses can make the most of all the mobile telephone technology that is being made available. It’s great news.”
The need to secure mobile reception was one of a number of issues highlighted by the Reepham Economic Strategy. The Reepham Economic Strategy was commissioned by Broadland District Council, led by Ingham Pinnock Associates with input and support from the Reepham Town Team. The success with the Vodafone bid can now be added to a long list of this community group’s achievements which also include resuscitating a major Christmas event (Festival of Light 2014) and securing a new life for the Dial House.
