Frustrated residents unable to get a good mobile internet connection in Long Stratton are soon set to rejoice after a mobile phone company announced it is to start work to improve its 4G network in the village.

O2 revealed that it will start work bring its 4G service to Long Stratton in the week comencing Monday, June 5, as well as improve its 2G and 3G network.

4G allows for a faster, more reliable internet connection for smartphones, tablets and computers.

Subject to successful implementation and testing, the company said customers will see the new and improved service in the following weeks.

South Norfolk district councillor Des Fulcher - who represents the Stratton ward, which covers Long Stratton - said the introduction of 4G would be of huge benefit to the community.

'4G coverage would be a really positive thing,' he said.

'It can be a challenge to get a connection and there are a lot of business operators and people working from home, so mobile phone and 4G coverage is quite important.

'South Norfolk Council has its main offices in Long Stratton as well, and every one of those people has a mobile phone. The signal in that building can be a bit of a challenge.'

Last year a survey completed by 1,300 of our readers on our website revealed just how badly served our region is for 3G and 4G, with almost three quarters of 1,300 respondents rating their 4G connection as one out of 10.'Norfolk is somewhere where having a 4G connection is even more important than in heavily-populated areas, as you can be in more rural and remote areas where you might need to get a connection and can't,' Mr Fulcher said.

'It's not always an emergency situation - it can those things in the middle that might still be a priority.'

Derek McManus, chief operating officer for Telefónica UK - which owns O2 - said: 'I'm delighted that O2 customers in Long Stratton will soon be able to experience faster mobile internet making everything easier when using their phone or tablet.

'They'll be able to stream high definition TV, shop on the go and use video calling. For our business customers, using 4G means they can be more effective and flexible by working remotely, accessing cloud services and collaborating using apps.'

During the work, there may be times when people's signal experiences intermittent service.

More information can be found at www.o2.co.uk/4G