'Unconnected countryside': 9% of farmers receive decent broadband, survey shows

In summer 2017, only 9% of farmers surveyed could confirm they receive broadband speeds of 24Mbps or more, according to an NFU survey
In summer 2017, only 9% of farmers surveyed could confirm they receive broadband speeds of 24Mbps or more, according to an NFU survey

Every farming business must be able to access superfast broadband and a good mobile phone reception on every farm across the country, the NFU has said.

The government has been urged by the farming union to ensure farmers can access next generation technology.

The NFU has also asked the government to allow the full delivery of the agri-tech and Industrial Strategies, and lay the foundations for fifth generation (5G) technology.

In a response to the consultation on the future of telecoms infrastructure, the NFU has used evidence from its member survey to highlight the growing rural-urban divide.

In summer 2017, only 9% of farmers surveyed could confirm they receive broadband speeds of 24Mbps or more and only 15% had a reliable outdoor phone signal across the farm.

The survey follows news of the government announcing the delivery of superfast broadband to 95% of UK premises, but "significant areas", mainly in the countryside, are still let without a decent connection.

'Very frustrating'

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said it’s "very frustrating" for farmers who "waste time everyday" due to poor connections and cannot take advantage of on-farm technology.

“One member spent two and half hours trying to set up a banking service, thwarted by a broadband service that kept dropping out,” Mr Smith explained.

“Another explained how it was not possible to gain real time information from contractors and agronomists.

“A third could not contact their vet and a fourth explained wider rural services, such as their holiday and business letting services had been impacted.”

'Unconnected countryside'

Mr Smith said visitors do not want to come to an "unconnected countryside", and that many NFU members had health and safety concerns.

He continued: “These services are integral to the future of our industry – worth £112 billion to the UK economy, employing 3.8 million people across the UK.”

The NFU Vice President also called on the government to use the telecommunications review to assess the true cost to business, consumers and to the public purse if services cannot be provided online.

He added: “Farm businesses are facing challenges and opportunities, which include increasing productivity while managing the environment and mitigating price volatility.

“Trade with other countries post-Brexit, both within and increasingly outside the EU, will be vital and farming businesses will expect the UK digital communications to be comparable and fit for purpose to compete in this global market.”