Connectivity issues ‘still holding us back’ – says East Sussex farming leader

A recent survey by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) revealed that the issues are continuing to significantly hinder farmers’ ability to run effective, food producing businesses.

The national survey showed that more than three quarters (76%) of NFU members report some level of unreliable mobile signal across outdoor locations on their farms. While farmers and growers have seen a 10 percentage point increase in 5G access, 6% of our members still have no access to 4G or 5G on their smartphones. Although broadband speeds have improved, with 58% of members now finding them adequate for the needs of their farm business (a 10% percentage point increase from last year), greater coverage is needed so that rural and farm businesses can take advantage of new opportunities, including agri-tech innovations such as robotic milking or precision farming.

Reliable internet and mobile connectivity are crucial for everyday farming operations, from submitting VAT returns and using GPS on tractors to communicating with customers so they can comply with UK regulations and operate their businesses efficiently. Additionally, mobile signal is vital for health and safety, especially for farmers working alone in remote areas.

NFU East Sussex Chair Martin Hole said: “Many parts of East Sussex have had poor or non-existent mobile phone connections for years.

“In some areas people are unable to do basic tasks like answer calls and read e mails.

“This is continuing to be a real hinderance for many farmers and other businesses in rural East Sussex.

“Having reliable mobile and broadband connectivity is essential to enable these businesses and the rural economy to thrive.

“This is also crucial in helping farmers to deliver food security, which has to be a top priority of the new government.”

Mr Hole, farms organic livestock with his family at Montague Farm , on the western edge of the Pevensey Levels Wetland of International Importance, added: “Having poor mobile connection continues to be a major health and safety risk, in terms of not being able to call for help in an emergency.

“Lack of connectivity can accentuate loneliness and cause stress, both threats to mental health in rural areas.”

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “We welcome the new government’s pledge to deliver gigabit broadband and 5G by 2030. However, we need detailed plans and a timeline on how this will be delivered, particularly in rural areas. 2030 is still six years away and waiting that long for better connectivity is a huge burden for rural businesses.

“The lack of sufficient mobile and broadband connectivity is a barrier to greater productivity, growth and investment into the rural economy, especially at a time when businesses are being required to meet more of their legal and regulatory obligations online. That is why we are asking the government to prioritise improving rural connectivity.

“In the meantime, the NFU will continue to ask for a technologically neutral broadband rollout – one which means focusing on results rather than favouring specific methods – so rural-proofed solutions, such as satellite broadband, can be installed in even the most remote locations.”