Devon mobile signals get upgrade

Funds if you're in a dodgy area

Mobile phone signals are being boosted in areas with dodgy reception in Devon.

Connecting Devon is a project that allows residents and businesses to get a booster system installed.

Holiday cottage business owners Nathan and Lizzie Figg from Kingswear, near Dartmouth, are in a valley that makes their mobile signal hit and miss.

They moved to Nethway Farm in South Devon three years ago, where the mobile signal is poor. They are now among 900 homes and businesses across Devon and Somerset to have improved 4G mobile signal in their property thanks to the Mobile Boost scheme.

Nathan said: “We had no signal apart from an intermittent signal half-way up one of the hills, whereas now we have a full 4G signal. Just staying connected was the issue, and in that sense it’s been a very good addition for us and the business.

“We have wi-fi calling throughout our property and the holiday lets so we chose to have the booster installed in one of our barns. We can’t afford to miss any calls, and if a guest, or a potential guest, phones while we’re in the barn now we don’t lose the call or have to rush off. We also use the barn for lambing so if there are any problems, we can now call each other.

“The only cost we had to pay was the labour charge for the installation. From application through to installation it was a very easy process.”

The project is funded by a government quango, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSWLEP).

The Mobile Boost scheme is upgrading indoor 4G mobile phone coverage in rural areas. The initiative aims to help small businesses and homes which have inadequate coverage, or only have access to one provider and are struggling with connectivity.

Devon businesses and households can apply for up to £1,200 towards the cost of a mobile signal booster from a registered supplier. The subsidy depends on the type of technology most suitable for the premises.

Three options are available – 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.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council cabinet member for economic recovery and kkills, 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.”

Applicants need to complete a form self-certifying that they cannot receive an adequate indoor 4G mobile signal. Applicants will be emailed a voucher code which can be used with one of the registered scheme suppliers.

Anyone applying for the scheme will need to make a contribution to cover the cost of installation. Depending on which option is chosen, this ranges from a one-off fee from around £250 to a monthly fee for a SIM card (averaging around £30 a month).