VODAFONE has just announced that Oare and Wilcot will be receiving additional support for mobile coverage.

The rural communities are the latest to receive 3G coverage with Vodafone’s Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

Oare and Wilcot have until now suffered from unreliable mobile coverage and slow network speeds but with Vodafone’s Sure Signal technology they will be given the much needed access to the internet via a variety of mobile devices.

Devizes MP Claire Perry said: “Reliable mobile signals and fast internet speeds are as important to the local economy as fast roads and reliable railways.

"And I am really pleased that Oare and Wilcot are now benefitting from improved mobile coverage with the Vodafone Rural Sure Signal Programme.

"This is a fantastic example of local communities, councils and consumer organisations working together to deliver communications fit for the 21st century.”

Sure Signal units, the same size as a cereal box, are fitted high up on the outside of a building and connect to existing broadband lines to create the internet coverage.

Chris Bartlett, Village champion for Wilcot commented: “Wilcot was this years’ winner of Wiltshire’s Best Kept Village award, and twice previously. Small, rural locations in conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be very sensitive to any issues of planning and indeed to change. However, it’s also important that they are able to move forward and keep up with the times. Initiatives like Rural Open Sure Signal are a perfect demonstration of how these two things can be balanced.”

Deirdre Nix, Village champion for Oare commented: “The Sure signal has made a great deal of difference to reception at the North end of Oare village. This is particularly important for the primary school since it helps parents who are waiting to collect children stay in touch with older children at secondary school. Our residents on Vodafone are now able to use their phones in the house not just in the garden! And when Duke of Edinburgh participants and walkers visit our area they now have much better reception, great for people on a great day out in Wiltshire, but also good to know that we have a good coverage near the village for emergency contact. Thanks to Vodafone for improving our lives.”