FROM ‘not-spot’ to ‘hot-spot’ – Minchinhampton has been named as the first community in the country to receive 3G coverage from Vodafone UK.

The network provider has announced that Minchinhampton is the first town to benefit from its Rural Open Sure Signal Programme.

The town has been plagued by unreliable mobile signal and slow internet speeds but now Open Sure Signal units will be installed around the town to boost reception for Vodafone customers.

The Rural Open Sure Signal programme was launched in July as a national initiative by Vodafone UK to provide reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-spot locations.

The town had to apply to the programme, choosing a village champion as chief point of contact, and picking five potential sites for the 38cm tall units.

Stephen Hemmings, village champion for Minchinhampton, said: “I am thrilled that we are the first community in the Rural Open Sure Signal programme to receive this ground-breaking technology for mobile coverage.

"We’re looking forward to experiencing the great benefits of 3G mobile services first-hand and expect this will give a real boost to our rural economy.

"The thousands of tourists who visit our community and its surrounding area will also greatly benefit from this.”

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: “This scheme will be a huge benefit to the local community, helping businesses connect with customers and allowing people to stay in touch with their family and friends.”