The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) program in England has announced that 900 homes and businesses have now benefited from their Mobile Boost Scheme, which aims to improve rural 4G mobile (mobile broadband and voice) coverage by offering vouchers (up to £1,200) to help deploy indoor mobile signal boosters.
The program, which is being funded through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSWLEP) Growth Deal, is targeted at those premises which have no adequate access to indoor 4G coverage from any operator or only one operator.
Businesses and residents that make use of this scheme, including those in Somerset, Devon, Torbay and Plymouth (South West England), are also required to make a contribution which, depending on the option chosen, will range from £250 for installation to a monthly fee for a SIM card (averaging around £30 per month). This is because the main cost, as covered by the voucher, is largely in the expensive boosting kit itself.
Three options of equipment are available through the scheme – either a 4G booster or two models of “signal repeaters” which repeat the outdoor signal indoors – and suppliers can advise on the most suitable in each case.
Councilor Rufus Gilbert, CDS Board Member, said:
“It’s great to see that local businesses are being supported through the Mobile Boost Scheme and Nethway Farm Holiday Cottages is a perfect example of that. I’m pleased that Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) has been able to play a part in making their lives, and running their business, that little bit easier.”
However, we should point out that it is down to the applicant to research which of the suppliers can install in their area, contacting the supplier directly to redeem the voucher and arranging to have the equipment installed at their premises.