NFU 2024 Digital Access Survey results

Poor connectivity holding back farm businesses
New results from the NFU’s latest digital access survey reveal rural broadband and mobile coverage continues to fall short of what farming businesses need – with over a fifth of respondents still unable to access even a ‘decent’ internet speed.
While there are signs of progress, with more members now accessing ultrafast broadband and adopting agri-tech tools such as GPS and cloud-based systems, the overall picture shows that rural communities remain significantly behind the curve – especially when compared to national averages.

“We have been consistently told by government that food security is national security, but to deliver on that farmers need the right tools. Reliable broadband and mobile coverage are not optional – they are essential for running efficient, productive farming businesses and ensuring safety in some of the most isolated parts of the country.
“If a farmer can’t call for help in an emergency, the consequences can be serious.
“Right now, poor connectivity is holding back the full potential of British farming. We welcome the government’s investment announced in the Spending Review, but these delays risk leaving rural farms disconnected for longer.
“This isn’t about asking for special treatment for rural areas. It’s about fairness. Rural businesses, families and communities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else – and that starts with being properly connected.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
Key stats at a glance
The results of the NFU's digital access survey summarise a snapshot of farmer connectivity from 661 NFU farmer and grower members surveyed in February and March 2025 about their experience with digital connectivity and its uses on farm in 2024.
Please note the numbers throughout this survey have been rounded.

22% of respondents get reliable mobile signal in all outdoor locations on farm

54% of respondents believe that the mobile signal they receive is sufficient for the needs of their business

98% of respondents believe that mobile signal is important for their business

61% of respondents access the internet through their mobile

91% of respondents believe broadband is essential for their business

33% of respondents have fibre

7% of respondents have a download speed of 2Mbps or less

63% of respondents believe their broadband speed is sufficient for the needs of their business
Executive summary
The survey has highlighted that there has been a stagnation in improvement for connectivity. The lack of digital connectivity is limiting the ability for farm businesses to adopt innovative technology which will help them grow, be more resilient and is also essential for farm safety.
“Losing a few seconds with your business is one thing, but dying because you can't contact anyone on your phone, is another.”
The NFU is calling on the government to deliver mobile and broadband connectivity to rural areas. We are asking for:
- The Shared Rural Network to remain a priority and to be completed by 2025, with the TNS (Total Non-Spot) completed by 2027.
- All broadband delivery support schemes to be applicable to all types of broadband and not just fibre.
- Rural and agricultural specific digital skills training to be widely offered and supported by the government.
- Clear times to be laid out to ensure that delivery targets are being met.
Rural connectivity and agricultural productivity
Agriculture is facing more challenges than ever before.
Rising costs of inputs, changes to farm support schemes, and a cost-of-living crisis means that farmers are reporting the lowest ever confidence in the sector1. This highlights the importance of digital connectivity on farm in order to increase productivity through business management tools, agri-tech integration on farm, as well as the ability to stay connected with support systems and receive advice and resources.
Much of the day-to-day running of farming businesses has been digitalised, including registering online with the Rural Payments Agency in order to apply for agricultural subsidies (eg, the Environmental Land Management schemes), as well as submitting VAT returns and Real Time PAYE information to HMRC via a Government Gateway account.
Livestock farmers are also required to register animal births, deaths, and their movements via the British Cattle Movement Service’s CTS website.
In an increasingly digital world it is, therefore, essential for farmers to be able to access online services in order to comply with UK regulations and to operate their businesses as efficiently as possible.
Like other businesses, farmers also depend on mobile telecommunications for day-to-day operations such as GPS, as well as talking to customers, suppliers and employees. This technology is essential for health and safety in an industry recognised by the International Labour Organisation as “particularly hazardous”2, where farmers and their employees are often working alone in remote areas. A vital cornerstone of addressing the risks of lone working is communication, which is dependent on a decent mobile signal3.
Reliable mobile and broadband connection can support:
- Increasing farm productivity through improved planning, monitoring and delivery of farming operations and the employment of technology.
- Improved environmental performance through data-driven resource use efficiency, precision agriculture, and engagement in environmental schemes delivered through online platforms.
- Access to remote learning and networking opportunities.
- Lone working support and farm safety technology.
- Expansion of businesses and engagement in the planning system.
- Access to online government and public services including farm support schemes.
- Diversification of farm businesses.
- Combating social isolation.
- Integration of agri-tech and 5G technologies onto farms.
References:
1. NFU farmer confidence survey results
2. International Labour Organisation | Agriculture: a hazardous work
Key results: Mobile

Access to 5G is increasing for those with smartphones, though the rate of increase has decreased significantly from 2022-2023, as seen in Figure 1.
Additionally, there has been a 3% increase in reported lack of access to either 4G or 5G on smartphones, making it clear that access to 4G and 5G has stagnated. This creates a real barrier to businesses as 61% of respondents use mobile signal to access the internet.
Lack of access to 4G or 5G has hovered around 10% since 2018, showing that the market forces are not filling the gap and that it requires government support. The concern is that delivering the most ambitious technology programmes will become the priority in urban areas while rural areas get left behind.
“[The networks] should not be allowed to progress to 5G in urban areas before rural areas have a reliable signal.”
While it is positive to see increasing access to 5G, there is still much further to go before there is universal coverage of 4G in rural areas.
Rural communities lagging behind the national average
In Figure 2, we see that reliable outdoor coverage of mobile signal across all locations on farm has largely stagnated since 2019.
The increase in signal is found with members having access in ‘most areas’ on farm and a reduction of members who have a signal in ‘few areas’.
The overall number of members reporting no access to a reliable mobile signal has decreased one percentage point, which is a step in the right direction, but this number has fluctuated over the past five years from 15% in 2021 to 6% in 2023, suggesting that we are not seeing a significant improvement for those with no access to 4G or 5G.
With less than one quarter of respondents having a reliable signal across all locations on farm and with no improvements in the past year, it is clear that rural communities have far less coverage than national averages.
According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, 99% of England has 4G geographic coverage from all of the four MNO (Major Network Operators) Three, O2, EE, and Vodafone in 2024, which includes 94% coverage in rural areas.
It is clear that rural 4G coverage needs to remain a priority to deliver, as members’ experiences show connectivity is much further behind the reported numbers.
Good 4G access must come first
There has been a marked increase in those with access to a reliable mobile signal in all indoor locations, up six percentage points from 2023.
Members report that only 28% have a reliable mobile signal in all indoor locations on farm, while 9% still have no coverage in any indoor locations. Again, this is behind Ofcom’s numbers, which say that 56% of rural premises can access indoor 4G coverage from all 4 MNOs.
Even by Ofcom’s reporting, rural connectivity is lagging behind, with 4G indoor coverage in rural areas of England now ranging between 76-85% by operator, compared to 97-99% of urban premises.
The NFU continues to call for the SRN (Shared Rural Network) to be prioritised and completed. The SRN is a joint initiative between the UK Government and the four major MNOs (EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three) aimed at improving 4G mobile coverage across the UK. The programme focuses on infrastructure sharing, including the building and upgrading of masts, to eliminate 'partial not-spots' and 'total not-spots' in rural areas.
The original goal was to achieve 95% 4G geographic coverage across the UK by the end of 2025, and this target remains in place. However, individual operator obligations include interim targets (eg, 88% by June 2024 and 90% by January 2027), which is disappointing as the NFU has long called into question the ability of government and industry to deliver these milestones.
All four operators have now met the 88% of UK landmass coverage target as of 22 August 2024.
The government reaffirmed in the 2025 Spending Review a commitment to delivering 5G coverage to the UK by 2030.
While this is a promising and ambitious fiscal pledge, the lack of real change in rural 4G access over the past few years casts doubt on the deliverability of this ask.
Good 4G access across rural communities must remain the priority before any policy shift to universal 5G coverage.
Access to 5G is increasing for those with smartphones, though the rate of increase has decreased significantly from 2022-2023, as seen in Figure 1.
Additionally, there has been a 3% increase in reported lack of access to either 4G or 5G on smartphones, making it clear that access to 4G and 5G has stagnated. This creates a real barrier to businesses as 61% of respondents use mobile signal to access the internet.
Lack of access to 4G or 5G has hovered around 10% since 2018, showing that the market forces are not filling the gap and that it requires government support. The concern is that delivering the most ambitious technology programmes will become the priority in urban areas while rural areas get left behind.
“[The networks] should not be allowed to progress to 5G in urban areas before rural areas have a reliable signal.”
While it is positive to see increasing access to 5G, there is still much further to go before there is universal coverage of 4G in rural areas.
Rural communities lagging behind the national average
In Figure 2, we see that reliable outdoor coverage of mobile signal across all locations on farm has largely stagnated since 2019.
The increase in signal is found with members having access in ‘most areas’ on farm and a reduction of members who have a signal in ‘few areas’.
The overall number of members reporting no access to a reliable mobile signal has decreased one percentage point, which is a step in the right direction, but this number has fluctuated over the past five years from 15% in 2021 to 6% in 2023 suggesting that we are not seeing an significant improvement for those with no access to 4G or 5G.
With less than one quarter of respondents having a reliable signal across all locations on farm and with no improvements in the past year, it is clear that rural communities have far less coverage than national averages.
According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, 99% of England has 4G geographic coverage from all of the four MNO (Major Network Operators) Three, O2, EE, and Vodafone in 2024, which includes 94% coverage in rural areas.
It is clear that rural 4G coverage needs to remain a priority to deliver, as members’ experiences show connectivity is much further behind the reported numbers.
Good 4G access must come first
There has been a marked increase in those with access to a reliable mobile signal in all indoor locations, up six percentage points from 2023.
Members report that only 28% have a reliable mobile signal in all indoor locations on farm, while 9% still have no coverage in any indoor locations. Again, this is behind Ofcom’s numbers, which say that 56% of rural premises can access indoor 4G coverage from all 4 MNOs.
Even by Ofcom’s reporting, rural connectivity is lagging behind, with 4G indoor coverage in rural areas of England now ranging between 76-85% by operator, compared to 97-99% of urban premises.
The NFU continues to call for the SRN (Shared Rural Network) to be prioritised and completed. The SRN is a joint initiative between the UK Government and the four major MNOs (EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three) aimed at improving 4G mobile coverage across the UK. The programme focuses on infrastructure sharing, including the building and upgrading of masts, to eliminate 'partial not-spots' and 'total not-spots' in rural areas.
The original goal was to achieve 95% 4G geographic coverage across the UK by the end of 2025, and this target remains in place. However, individual operator obligations include interim targets (eg, 88% by June 2024 and 90% by January 2027), which is disappointing as the NFU has long called into question the ability of government and industry to deliver these milestones.
All four operators have now met the 88% of UK landmass coverage target as of 22 August 2024.
The government reaffirmed in the 2025 Spending Review a commitment to delivering 5G coverage to the UK by 2030.
While this is a promising and ambitious fiscal pledge, the lack of real change in rural 4G access over the past few years casts doubt on the deliverability of this ask.
Good 4G access across rural communities must remain the priority before any policy shift to universal 5G coverage.
Key results: Broadband

Overall, access to broadband is predominantly through mobile connections at 61%, followed by copper wire broadband at 46% and fibre broadband at 33% (Figure 3).
Fibre broadband access for members has not increased which is disappointing to see, as it is the most future-proofed option for accessing the internet. However, cost continues to be prohibitive in terms of accessing fibre, with members quoting prices as a reason for not taking up superfast broadband, as well as challenges around broadband companies being willing to supply to rural locations.
One member was offered superfast broadband at the cost of over £50,000 which is a clear barrier to accessing fibre broadband on farm. This is a clear contributing factor to NFU members’ ability to access broadband and for explaining why rural areas are so far behind national averages.
Ofcom’s Connected Nations report claims 69% of England has full fibre in residential homes. Evidence from the NFU survey indicates access to full fibre is 36 percentage points below Ofcom’s claim.
Satellite options on the rise
Take-up of satellite remains low at 9% for 2024. Cost was a barrier to take-up for satellite, and some members reported using satellite as a short-term solution until they are able to access fibre broadband in their area.
However, according to responses, more and more members are looking at satellite options for their farming businesses, due to improved speeds and the fact that it can be used even in the most remote areas.
One member reported having to set up their own private network in order to run their CCTV system.
Without sufficient support, farming businesses are having to find alternative and often expensive solutions in order to access broadband services that are vital for their businesses.
Rural communities last for connectivity
For those with internet access, a positive change is the reported speeds they are achieving.
There has been an increase of four percentage points in access to ultrafast broadband of over 300Mbps (Figure 4). It is encouraging to see reports that extremely slow internet speeds have reduced since 2023, and superfast and ultrafast have each increased by four percentage points.
Most members have access to broadband that is at least classified as decent (10Mbps or above), with only 21% having broadband download speeds of 9Mbps or below.
However, this is still significantly higher than Ofcom’s Connected Nations report which reports that only 0.1% of England is unable to access decent broadband.
It is clear that rural and farming communities continue to be the last places to be connected.
Connectivity and crime
The increase in speeds means that members are able to take advantage of agri-tech and business enhancing technologies and programmes, with cloud-based services proving the most popular, followed by security cameras and GPS/ mapping technologies (Figure 5).
Other technologies include weather stations and wi-fi enabled feeders which monitor livestock food levels and intake.
According to the latest NFU Mutual rural crime report, the estimated cost of rural crime fell to £44.1 million in 2024, down from £52.8 million the previous year. This decline reflects the impact of targeted initiatives, including more than £400,000 invested by NFU Mutual to tackle rural crime and the introduction of the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft officer.
Despite this progress, rural crime remains a serious concern, with organised criminal gangs continuing to target high-value farming equipment and livestock.
A survey of NFU Mutual agents revealed that many farmers remain repeat victims, highlighting the ongoing need for robust security measures such as CCTV and internet-connected surveillance systems, which depend on reliable rural broadband to function effectively.
Access vital for modern businesses
Accessing decent broadband is vital to modern businesses, allowing for agri-tech uptake, general business management, as well as for health and wellbeing reasons.
91% of respondents claim that access to broadband is essential for their business, with only 3% saying that access to broadband is not essential.
However, despite the clear message that broadband and internet access is vital for modern businesses, only 63% of members feel their broadband is sufficient for the needs of their business (Figure 6).
While there has been a steady increase in the percentage of respondents that feel their broadband speeds are sufficient, nearly a quarter of respondents still feel they don't have the broadband speeds they need to successfully manage their business.
Overall, access to broadband is predominantly through mobile connections at 61%, followed by copper wire broadband at 46% and fibre broadband at 33% (Figure 3).
Fibre broadband access for members has not increased which is disappointing to see, as it is the most future-proofed option for accessing the internet. However, cost continues to be prohibitive in terms of accessing fibre, with members quoting prices as a reason for not taking up superfast broadband, as well as challenges around broadband companies being willing to supply to rural locations.
One member was offered superfast broadband at the cost of over £50,000 which is a clear barrier to accessing fibre broadband on farm. This is a clear contributing factor to NFU members’ ability to access broadband and for explaining why rural areas are so far behind national averages.
Ofcom’s Connected Nations report claims 69% of England has full fibre in residential homes. Evidence from the NFU survey indicates access to full fibre is 36 percentage points below Ofcom’s claim.
Satellite options on the rise
Take-up of satellite remains low at 9% for 2024. Cost was a barrier to take-up for satellite, and some members reported using satellite as a short-term solution until they are able to access fibre broadband in their area.
However, according to responses, more and more members are looking at satellite options for their farming businesses, due to improved speeds and the fact that it can be used even in the most remote areas.
One member reported having to set up their own private network in order to run their CCTV system.
Without sufficient support, farming businesses are having to find alternative and often expensive solutions in order to access broadband services that are vital for their businesses.
Rural communities last for connectivity
For those with internet access, a positive change is the reported speeds they are achieving.
There has been an increase of four percentage points in access to ultrafast broadband of over 300Mbps (Figure 4). It is encouraging to see reports that extremely slow internet speeds have reduced since 2023, and superfast and ultrafast have each increased by four percentage points.
Most members have access to broadband that is at least classified as decent (10Mbps or above), with only 21% having broadband download speeds of 9Mbps or below.
However, this is still significantly higher than Ofcom’s Connected Nations report which reports that only 0.1% of England is unable to access decent broadband.
It is clear that rural and farming communities continue to be the last places to be connected.
Connectivity and crime
The increase in speeds means that members are able to take advantage of agri-tech and business enhancing technologies and programmes, with cloud-based services proving the most popular, followed by security cameras and GPS/ mapping technologies (Figure 5).
Other technologies include weather stations and wi-fi enabled feeders which monitor livestock food levels and intake.
According to the latest NFU Mutual rural crime report, the estimated cost of rural crime fell to £44.1 million in 2024, down from £52.8 million the previous year. This decline reflects the impact of targeted initiatives, including more than £400,000 invested by NFU Mutual to tackle rural crime and the introduction of the UK’s first dedicated livestock theft officer.
Despite this progress, rural crime remains a serious concern, with organised criminal gangs continuing to target high-value farming equipment and livestock.
A survey of NFU Mutual agents revealed that many farmers remain repeat victims, highlighting the ongoing need for robust security measures such as CCTV and internet-connected surveillance systems, which depend on reliable rural broadband to function effectively.
Access vital for modern businesses
Accessing decent broadband is vital to modern businesses, allowing for agri-tech uptake, general business management, as well as for health and wellbeing reasons.
91% of respondents claim that access to broadband is essential for their business, with only 3% saying that access to broadband is not essential.
However, despite the clear message that broadband and internet access is vital for modern businesses, only 63% of members feel their broadband is sufficient for the needs of their business (Figure 6).
While there has been a steady increase in the percentage of respondents that feel their broadband speeds are sufficient, nearly a quarter of respondents still feel they don't have the broadband speeds they need to successfully manage their business.
Use of digital connectivity on farm

Members have expressed frustration at the limitations of their connectivity and how it inhibits business growth.
When asked about how faster broadband might be used on farm, members overwhelmingly reported that they would do tasks faster, more frequently, and more efficiently (Figure 7).
One member said that, in order to do any online business work for the farm, they must drive home during the day as there is no connectivity on the farmyard, making for an extremely time consuming and inefficient method of working.
Agri-tech possibilities
Members have reported a range of ways they would use broadband if they were able to access sufficient speeds, from using government websites for grants and information, to installing agri-tech, including robotic milking systems, or fertiliser application tech such as windspeed data.
Lack of digital connectivity is limiting the ability for farm businesses to adopt new technology which will help them grow and be more resilient.
One member mentioned that they would look into an AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled robotic fruit picker due to difficulty accessing labour.
Another member said that lack of connectivity is negatively impacting their diversified business of glamping on their property, as they have no signal and cannot take contactless payments on site.
Training and knowledge
A critical area to address is the lack of knowledge and training around digital skills.
Members referenced how important digital access is for farm businesses with one member saying that the government has put everything online, yet 15% of members feel they do not have the necessary training or knowledge to deal with the increasing digitalisation of farming businesses.
Looking at Figure 8, it is clear that there is an appetite to use more digital technologies on farm, but due to lack of connectivity, access, skills, and other factors, it remains inaccessible for many members.
Members have expressed frustration at the limitations of their connectivity and how it inhibits business growth.
When asked about how faster broadband might be used on farm, members overwhelmingly reported that they would do tasks faster, more frequently, and more efficiently (Figure 7).
One member said that, in order to do any online business work for the farm, they must drive home during the day as there is no connectivity on the farmyard, making for an extremely time consuming and inefficient method of working.
Agri-tech possibilities
Members have reported a range of ways they would use broadband if they were able to access sufficient speeds, from using government websites for grants and information, to installing agri-tech, including robotic milking systems, or fertiliser application tech such as windspeed data.
Lack of digital connectivity is limiting the ability for farm businesses to adopt new technology which will help them grow and be more resilient.
One member mentioned that they would look into an AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled robotic fruit picker due to difficulty accessing labour.
Another member said that lack of connectivity is negatively impacting their diversified business of glamping on their property, as they have no signal and cannot take contactless payments on site.
Training and knowledge
A critical area to address is the lack of knowledge and training around digital skills.
Members referenced how important digital access is for farm businesses with one member saying that the government has put everything online, yet 15% of members feel they do not have the necessary training or knowledge to deal with the increasing digitalisation of farming businesses.
Looking at Figure 8, it is clear that there is an appetite to use more digital technologies on farm, but due to lack of connectivity, access, skills, and other factors, it remains inaccessible for many members.
NFU’s key messages to government

Reflecting on NFU members’ access to mobile and broadband connectivity throughout 2024, it is clear that connectivity remains a barrier for greater use of technology on farm. While some improvements are being seen, the overall levels of connectivity are not improving at a rate that positively impacts rural and farming businesses.
According to the survey results, 98% of respondents believe mobile signal is important for their business and 91% of respondents agree that broadband is essential for their business.
However, only 63% believe that their broadband speed is sufficient for the needs of their business, and only 54% believe that their mobile signal is sufficient for the needs of their business.
This shows the gap between what businesses need and what they can access in rural areas. This is affecting how agriculture and horticultural businesses can grow be more productive and resilient.
Government goals are ambitious
The NFU welcomes the government's renewed commitment to delivering gigabit-capable broadband and nationwide 5G coverage by 2032.
The allocation of £1.9 billion to Building Digital UK, as part of the 2025 Spending Review, is a positive step towards achieving these goals.
However, given the current pace of rollout and the scale of rural connectivity challenges, these remain highly ambitious targets that will require sustained political will, strategic planning, and continued investment to deliver effectively.
Gigabit capable broadband is speeds of 1000Mbps or above, which is even faster than ultrafast. Similarly, only 23% of respondents have access to 5G on their phones (Figure 1), meaning that there is a significant gap to close by 2030 to achieve total 5G coverage.
The added challenge is that 5G coverage will require more masts to be built, requiring land access and investment from the government and industry.
Exciting opportunities ahead
The opportunities afforded by greater connectivity are exciting and vital for the agricultural sector, particularly in addressing productivity challenges.
The NFU, as a part of the UKTIN (Telecoms Innovation Network) Agri-tech Working Group has established a wide range of case studies of the use of 5G on farm.
These include examples of precision farming, automated livestock monitoring, and AI across a variety of scenarios.
One such example is Per Plant Farming as showcased by companies such as the Small Robot Company. This technology can potentially reduce herbicide applications by 77% and fertiliser by 15%, providing vital input cost savings for farmers as well as reduced environmental impacts.
In order to best support farmers and other rural businesses, the NFU has the following asks of government for delivering mobile and broadband connectivity to rural areas:
1. The Shared Rural Network to remain a priority and to be entirely complete by 2025
This is so that all communities can have access to a good mobile signal, which can also be used for mobile broadband as a working solution while communities wait for fibre broadband.
The Shared Rural Network delivery must be transparent so it is clear what areas are still in need of upgrading and the data should be assessed by an impartial party as it is currently reported directly by industry, which can lead to a discrepancy between reported levels of coverage and coverage experienced by members.
The TNS programme must achieve its target of 90%, by each operator, by January 2027.
2. All government broadband schemes must be applicable to all types of broadband and not just fibre
Fibre can often be extremely expensive and often impractical to get to rural locations. There are solutions that are rural-proofed including mobile broadband or fixed wireless broadband which can offer decent broadband speeds and are not as cost intensive to install as fibre.
This will also help the government achieve the goal of 99% gigabit capable coverage by 2032 without rural areas being the last to be upgraded.
3. Rural and agricultural-specific digital skills training must be offered widely and supported in government skills initiatives
With many farmers and business owners not having the knowledge to make the best use of increasing speeds and innovative technologies, this skills gap leaves huge areas of opportunity for productivity increases.
4. Timelines must be laid out and followed
The 2032 target remains seven years away and, for farming and rural businesses waiting on greater connectivity, this is a substantial wait time.
The lack of sufficient connectivity impacts rural and farming businesses and is a barrier to greater productivity, business expansion, and investment into the rural economy.
Addressing rural connectivity must remain a priority for government.
The message from members

With such a broad range of opportunities for digital connectivity on farm, we asked our members what the NFU’s key message to government should be on mobile and broadband provision.
Find out what the most common answers were.

Rural areas need the same access to connectivity as urban areas
“Mobile coverage needs to be improved in rural areas desperately. It is very frustrating when you can't maintain contact with people.”
Government needs to do more to deliver connectivity in rural areas
“[Government is] making us go down the digital route but not supporting us with it.”
Speeds and reliability of services in rural areas need to improve for business needs
“It is very difficult to run a business with such slow broadband, really. It's not just a broadband connection you need but a suitable high speed broadband connection that you can realistically use to run your business with online banking.”
Connectivity is vital to health and safety on farm
“Safety is paramount, that's my biggest concern of all, especially with lone working, whether it be contractors, whoever it might be, agronomists, everybody is generally lone working. If they had an accident then, if it was first thing in the morning, no-one would probably know until teatime when someone should have gone home, and they didn't, and so lone working and safety for lone workers is of paramount importance.”
Annex 1: Broadband solutions for members
USO (Universal Service Obligation)
The 2017 Digital Economy Act set out the government’s plans for universal access to broadband. The USO is intended as a safety net for those currently without any access to broadband connectivity. The USO is a pledge to give homes that ask for access to broadband with minimum speeds of 10Mbps at a cost of no more than £46.10 a month.
Ofcom has determined this to be an appropriate speed to ensure that a family does not remain isolated due to lack of access. Universal service providers have an obligation to provide the broadband if the project can be undertaken for less than £3,400 per household.
Due to this caveat, it is often advantageous that rural communities ask for the broadband as a whole in order to reduce costs per household. To find out if you are eligible visit:
Gigabit broadband voucher scheme
The DCMS (Department for Culture, Media, and Sport) launched a programme in March 2018 to help support houses and businesses that want to install gigabit-capable broadband. Rural households and businesses can apply for up to £4,500 to support the cost of installing new fast and reliable connections.
The criteria for these vouchers include those premises where:
- existing available broadband download speeds are less than 100Mbps
- a gigabit-capable network isn’t likely to be built to that area commercially in the near future
- there is no government-funded contract planned or in place to improve your network already.
These vouchers are designed to be used by communities in order to reduce the total cost to businesses and industry.
To check for eligibility, visit: GOV.UK | Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme information.
Openreach – community fibre partnerships
If you live in a community that is impacted by poor broadband speeds, then a community-led programme may work.
Openreach has a programme where interested communities register their interest and, together, Openreach will work with the community to install fibre broadband. Openreach will contribute to some of the costs while the community covers the rest. Openreach will also advise on more localised funding streams that may be available in an area.
Find out more at: Openreach | Fibre community partnership.
Further DCMS guidance on community-led broadband programs can be found at: GOV.UK | Community-led broadband schemes.
Other options
In the unfortunate event that none of these solutions work, there are some other options.
- Mobile broadband can be accessible and easy to connect and cheap to run for some with a decent mobile signal. The speeds can vary, but with the Shared Rural Network working to increase 4G mobile coverage to 95% of the population by 2025 from all providers, mobile broadband will increase in reliability.
- Satellite broadband is a good rural broadband option as it can be installed virtually anywhere where a clear line of sight to the sky is available. However, satellite broadband can be expensive, but is becoming a more common rural broadband solution.
- Fixed wireless access provides connectivity through radio links. This is often provided by local providers and can be worth checking if there is a local rural-specific provider in your area.