Devon and Somerset UK Extend Grants for 4G Mobile Boosters

The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme has recently extended its Mobile Boost Scheme, which aims to improve 4G mobile (mobile broadband and voice) coverage in rural parts of the two counties by offering vouchers worth up to £1,200 toward the cost of an indoor mobile signal booster from a registered supplier.

The programme, 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 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 £200 for installation to a monthly fee for a SIM card (averaging circa £30 per month).

There are now three options of equipment available – one 4G booster and two models of “signal repeater,” which repeats the outdoor signal indoors. Suppliers will be able to advise on the most appropriate option, while those applying will only have to complete a form in order to “self-certify … that they cannot receive an adequate indoor 4G mobile signal.”

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council, said:

“Expanding the range of equipment that can be offered through the scheme will ensure that residents and businesses receive the best solution available for where they are. Hopefully, people in areas that lack adequate 4G coverage will take advantage of this scheme to enable them to receive an improved service at a fraction of what it would cost them without the help of the scheme voucher.”

Further details of this scheme can be found here, while data from Ofcom has previously suggested that 23,000 premises across the Devon and Somerset area may exist in 4G “not-spots“.