MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE will be one of 30 communities to join Vodafone’s Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

The rural community sits in a mobile ‘not-spot’ location but has been identified as a suitable area to take part in the national initiative which aims to provide reliable mobile access to up to 100 rural communities in mobile not-spot locations.

Residents will now receive 3G coverage which will also allow them to access the internet from their mobile phones with the use of the Sure Signal technology.

Jeroen Hoencamp, Vodafone UK Chief Executive, said: “Mobile connectivity is an essential service for communities and businesses to thrive in today’s digital world and support local economies.”

He added: “As part of the Rural Open Sure Signal programme, we are committed to investing in our network, using innovative technologies such as Sure Signal to provide access even in remote locations where it is otherwise almost impossible to reach.”