Vodafone is to provide 3G to at least 12 communities of 'not spots' within the UK. Shetlands could be one of them.

The interested communities should contact Vodafone thorough their local representative.

Femtocell is just like a mini network around a transmitter in the community which will be in link with Vodafone through Broadband connection.

Marvin smith of Shetland Islands council has been contacting the Vodafone authorities for the last one year for open femto amenities in his community.

Vodafone is doing a trial in West Berkshire. There will be 12 more trials before the spring.

The trials will be in places of 'not spots' but with access to proper broadband and with less than 1,000 people. Vodofone does not want to consider larger communities because it may not be possible to cater to every home. It would prefer to concentrate on community hubs like public halls.

A Vodafone spokeswoman remarked that the members of parliament have been asked to furnish the names of interested personnel in their constituencies opting for the trial. Cooperation and enthusiasm of the locals will be of great encouragement to the company. Short listing will be in the month of December or January.

Guy Laurence of Vodafone stated that not only Vodafone but the local people, politicians and others must work together to achieve the target.

The same opinion is also shared by Tavish Scot MSP of Shetland.