Poor mobile and broadband connectivity continues to hider farmers’ ability to run effective businesses, according to a survey from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).

76% of NFU members reported 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 NFU members still have no access to 4G or 5G on their smartphones.

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Although broadband speeds have improved, with 58% of members finding them adequate for the needs of their farm business, greater coverage is needed so that rural and farm businesses can take advantage of new opportunities, the NFU said.

This includes 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, the NFU said.

Additionally, the union said mobile signal is vital for health and safety, especially for farmers working alone in remote areas.

NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: “We are told again and again that food security is a major priority for the government.

“To confidently produce more of what we do well in the UK, we need to be as efficient and productive as possible. Reliable internet and mobile access are key to achieving this.

“Despite there being some improvements in access, it needs to go further. It’s very worrying that three quarters of farmers still have mobile signal gaps on their farms.”

Vallos said this not only impacts the day-to-day operations of rural businesses but also the safety of the workforce.

“Leaving a farmer with no way of communicating in a crisis is dangerous, and this lack of access is preventing UK farmers and growers from doing what they do best – running successful and profitable food producing businesses.

“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, Vallos said, 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,” she said.

“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.”vernment to prioritise improving rural connectivity," Ms Hallos said.

What does the survey show?

The results of the NFU's 2023 Digital Access Survey set out the current state of digital access on farm for rural businesses.

It surveyed 755 farmers and grower between February and March 2024.

• Only half (51%) of farmers believe they have a sufficient mobile signal.

• Only 24% get reliable mobile signal in all outdoor locations on farm. This leaves more than three quarters (76%) without reliable signal in some or many locations on their farm, despite 97% of respondents believing that mobile signal is important for their business.

• Only 20% of farmers have access to 5G.

• Just over half (58%) of farmers have broadband speeds adequate for business needs, which is 10% higher than last year.

• 10% have broadband speeds of less than 2 Mbps.

• Only 34% of respondents have fibre broadband.