Neos Networks has launched its new rapid activation proposition, enabling customers to order and use high-capacity optical connectivity in just five to ten days, and helping ISPs and altnets meet demand for data-intensive applications like AI and edge connectivity.
Fri, 2/05/2025 - 13:40
A nationwide survey of UK farmers commissioned by CityFibre has revealed that poor internet connectivity threatens to stifle growth and productivity on Britain’s farms, with unreliable broadband impeding the adoption of new technology such as AI and real-time monitoring.
The Censuswide wide-ranging survey found that although almost two-thirds of farmers surveyed* (60%) believe internet connectivity is critical for day-to-day farming activities, nearly one-in-ten farms (8%) have no internet connectivity at all.
It also raises real concerns that UK farms are being held back due to poor internet access, with difficulties of reliability and speed of internet connection listed as the second biggest barrier (42%) to farmers’ use of new farming technologies, behind purchasing cost (50%).
Meanwhile, for those who already have access to full fibre broadband, almost half (47%) said the main benefit was the use of precision farming technologies that were previously unavailable to them, with greater efficiency in day-to-day operations (37%), diversification of farmland (33%) and greater access to administration tools (32%) also cited as key benefits.
Poor internet connectivity also impacts a farmer’s mental health and family life, with the survey highlighting the impact of social isolation among rural communities, and many farmers feel they miss out on local community matters because of broadband issues.
The survey findings reinforce the importance of accelerating the rollout of full fibre internet in rural areas through government initiatives like Project Gigabit.
Rachel Hallos, NFU Vice President, said: “To confidently produce more home-grown food we need to be as efficient and productive as possible, and reliable internet and mobile access are key to achieving this. Lack of connectivity impacts the day-to-day operations of rural businesses and the safety of our 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 running successful and profitable food producing businesses.
“Better internet access can unlock 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.”
