Rural pubs' phone and internet boosted in Vodafone pilot

Four rural pubs in Norfolk and Wales that have always struggled with poor signal are taking part on the Vodafone pilot, in partnership with Pub is the Hub.

The Rural Community Pub programme will involve installation of Vodafone’s Premium Sure Signal – a discreet ‘femtocell’ unit - about the size of a small broadband router - which will connect to the pubs’ existing fixed broadband connection and provide reliable, deep indoor 3G coverage and high-speed 3G mobile internet access for employees and customers.

Rural pubs can struggle with signal, particularly if they are far from nearby towns, due to difficulties with planning permission or if the area lacks fixed fibre connection required to link a mobile mast back to the core network infrastructure. 

The Rural Community Pub pilot and Vodafone’s ‘femtocell’ schemes, such as its successful Rural Open Sure Signal (ROSS) programme, help bring reliable coverage to rural communities without the need for a traditional mast.

Pubs taking part are The Cross Keys, Dilham, Norfolk, The Mermaid Inn,  Elsing, Norfolk, The Blue Bell, Halkyn, Flintshire, and The Royal Oak, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, Dyfed.

Vodafone UK pioneered the use of ‘femtocell’ technology with Vodafone Sure Signal. Launched in 2009, Sure Signal is used by hundreds of thousands of people across the UK every day to boost in-building 3G coverage. It plugs straight into a home broadband line.

Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation offering independent specialist advice on rural services, diversification or community ownership of pubs, to safeguard viable local services at the heart of the community.

For more information visit www.pubisthehub.org.uk​