Press Release | 20 Oct 2016

VODAFONE 4G ARRIVES ON THE SHETLAND ISLANDS

Customers of Vodafone UK on the Shetland Islands can now enjoy the benefits of faster mobile data speeds with the arrival of 4G as well as a more reliable voice signal thanks to other network improvements, it was announced today.

Customers of Vodafone UK on the Shetland Islands can now enjoy the benefits of faster mobile data speeds with the arrival of 4G as well as a more reliable voice signal thanks to other network improvements, it was announced today.

Vodafone’s 4G network means residents will be able to download music in seconds and catch up on the latest TV shows or movies whilst on the move. It will also help the thousands of visitors to the islands access online services such as maps for navigation and tourist information, and will support local business communities using mobile devices and digital services to work more effectively. In addition, Vodafone has improved the capacity and reliability of its network across the Shetlands Islands to ensure a more consistent service.

The news comes just months after Vodafone launched its new Community Indoor Sure Signal (CISS) programme.  The CISS programme aims to provide reliable 3G indoor mobile coverage to up to 100 rural community hubs, such as independent or community run pubs and shops, village halls, scout huts, doctor’s surgeries or visitor centres. Applications for the service are still being taken with the first selected communities due to be announced later in the autumn.

Meanwhile, the rural community of Walls continues to receive much needed mobile coverage through Vodafone’s unique Rural Open Sure Signal (ROSS) programme, which uses ‘femtocell’ technology to provide an alternative solution to bring 3G mobile access where it isn’t possible for networks to provide coverage through traditional means.

Kye Prigg, Head of Mobile Networks for Vodafone UK, said: “Residents, visitors and businesses on the Islands will now benefit from our even bigger and better network. Mobile connectivity plays a vital role in keeping rural communities in touch and supporting local economies, which is why we have invested more than £2 billion on our network and services since 2014 and expect to spend another £2 billion over the next three years.  We plan to continue to improve coverage across the islands so more customers can enjoy our network wherever they go.”

Kim Moran-Hogg, Regional Business Head for Scotland at Vodafone UK said: “For many businesses, opportunities for growth require digital engagement, whether that is to reach and support customers more effectively, create more flexibility for employees to be able to work from anywhere or the need to enhance collaboration across supply chains.  With network improvements and advancements in collaboration and mobility solutions, businesses have new ways open to them to reach new customers, enhance their service experience and improve operational efficiency. We are committed to supporting the Shetland Islands’ diverse economy, helping businesses of all sizes across a multitude of industries from farming to oil, textiles to tourism, to be innovative and confidently connected.”

Vodafone continues to increase its mobile coverage across the UK and it recently launched a 30 day Network Satisfaction Guarantee, giving new and upgrading customers the chance to try out Vodafone’s network. It is the only mobile company to offer such terms. The guarantee applies to all new and upgrading Pay monthly and Pay as you go bundles purchased through Vodafone direct channels, including its 500 plus retail outlets, online shop and over the phone, giving users real choice, no questions asked.  Vodafone also introduced High Definition (HD) Voice nationwide and equipped a number of leading smartphones with WiFi Calling to ensure its customers can make reliable high quality calls in more locations.

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About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed-line connections, home and office broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

We have a strong track record as a tech pioneer, making the UK’s first mobile phone call, sending the first text message, and making the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G in 2018. We were the first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester and now have 5G in locations across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain as well as the UK. Meanwhile, our 4G network coverage currently reaches over 99% of the UK population.

Today, Vodafone serves more than 18 million mobile and fixed-line customers in the UK. Vodafone is the largest provider of full fibre in the UK – our superfast broadband services are now available to nearly 12 million homes across the UK.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do: as of 1 July 2021, 100% of the grid electricity we use in the UK is certified to be from renewable sources.

For more information about Vodafone UK, please visit: www.vodafone.co.uk.

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