Lack of rural connectivity holding UK farming back – NFU
This is not such good news in terms of the competitiveness of rural economic activity. Please not the mobile connectivity point. I think we often concentrate on broadband without focusing enough on the sometimes very poor mobile connectivity of places. I also wonder why my mobile connectivity fluctuates and what is happening when it appears to get worse. I suspect capacity is being moved around the system without proper accountability. There are people who know more than me out there and I would be interested in any insights on this issue. The article tells us:
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has said that the lack of rural connectivity is holding UK farming back.
This is a conclusion it has drawn based on the findings from its recently published Digital Technology Survey, which heard from 846 NFU farmer members between December 9, 2021 and March 13, 2022.
It found that only 38% of respondents said their broadband speed is sufficient for the needs of their business – which is 2% worse than the NFU’s corresponding 2021 survey.
“This survey makes for very disappointing reading,” said NFU vice president David Exwood.
“It shows that very little progress has been made over the past year to increase levels of broadband and mobile access in rural areas despite government promises to level up the country.
“This lack of digital connectivity puts a huge drain on time and efficiency as we’re effectively working with one arm tied behind our backs.”
The survey also found that 83% of respondents are unable to get reliable mobile signal in all outdoor locations on their farm and only 44% said their phone signal is sufficient for the needs of their business.