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.

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 is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 52 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 30 June 2016, Vodafone had 465 million mobile customers and 13.7 million fixed broadband customers. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com

Vodafone UK partners with businesses of all sizes - from start-ups and small businesses to the largest corporates and the public sector. The company has worked with UK businesses for over 30 years, starting out as a mobile provider and becoming one of the UK's leading total communications partners. It provides a range of voice and data services, secure communications infrastructure, fixed and call centre capability, unified communications and was the first mobile phone operator to offer a truly converged service for fixed and mobile.

Vodafone is currently spending around £1 billion on its network and services across the UK following a similar amount spent last year. This includes £200 million on its network in London, the introduction of its 4G service to more than 890 cities and towns, as well as thousands of smaller communities whilst also making network improvements across its UK 3G network. Meanwhile, The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme is also aiming to bring 3G coverage for the first time to 100 remote communities across the UK.

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