NFU urges members to complete rural broadband and mobile survey

The NFU said it was essential that business needs and opportunities of farming sector are understood
The NFU said it was essential that business needs and opportunities of farming sector are understood

The National Farmers Union have launched a new survey to help lobby changes for farmers who struggle to get decent access to the internet and mobile signals.

The farming sector are lobbying for "fast, affordable and reliable" broadband and mobile phone coverage for farmers, growers and rural communities.

The survey wants to help build a "true picture" of provision in the countryside.

Evidence will be collected both online and through a telephone consultation of NFU members during the next three weeks.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said it was essential that the business needs and opportunities of the farming sector are understood, especially at a time when farm businesses rely more and more on broadband and mobile phone signals.

He added: "This is only the second time we have run this survey and the first was massively important in informing our ongoing talks with industry and government on our members’ needs when it comes to broadband and mobile coverage.

"The point of doing it again is to give us some benchmarking data, and establish how - or if - the problems have been resolved in the past year.

"Farmers and growers more than ever need access to reliable broadband and mobile services, to ensure they can remain competitive in a digital age, even to complete essential government digital services, and not mention the implications on health and safety.

"I would urge as many people as possible to fill in this survey in the coming month."

Last month, a report by an influential committee of MPs found poor customer service and an overreliance on a copper network, that may not meet the future needs of rural homes and businesses, as the main challenges in rural communities.