A NOTORIOUS “not-spot” suffering slow internet and unreliable mobile coverage has been given a much-needed boost.

People living in Broad Chalke can now receive 3G coverage after a major service provider brought new, modern technology to the village.

Villagers say although the solution is not a cure-all, it has improved connectivity in some areas.

Stephen Whitmore, clerk to Broad Chalke Parish Council, said: “Broad Chalke Parish Council is grateful to Vodafone for installing the ROSS equipment in the village.

“It will make life easier for visitors and residents alike, and will encourage rural enterprise in our thriving village.”

He said: “Vodafone actually have been very good about this project.

“It’s not a complete solution to mobile signal in Broad Chalke and no one has pretended it would be.

“We hope to achieve more but this is a good start.

“This does not provide 100 per cent Vodafone mobile phone reception in Broad Chalke but it does provide coverage in some areas and it’s a definite advance on what we had before.”

The improvements are part of Vodafone’s £2billion Rural Open Sure Signal programme.

Salisbury MP John Glen said: “I am delighted that Broad Chalke has become the latest village to get a Vodafone 3G mobile signal through the rural open sure signal programme.

“It is the second village in my constituency to benefit from this programme which has only been made possible because both local communities rolled up their sleeves and worked in partnership with Vodafone to bring mobile coverage to their villages for the first time.”

Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UK chief technology officer, said: “Mobile connectivity is an essential service for communities and businesses to thrive in today’s digital world and support local economies.

“I am excited to see the transformation for Broad Chalke and other communities which has been successful for this pioneering programme.”