With a substantial migration to online platforms over COVID-19 and a proliferation of new technologies available, quality connectivity has grown increasingly important. But, the telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote NSW appear to be declining rather than improving.
A recent NSW Farmers survey revealed that almost 80 percent of farmers are not satisfied with their mobile service coverage, while 60 percent believe their mobile coverage and internet connectivity have worsened.
Most of the survey's 830 respondents indicated the quality of their internet service limits their ability to adopt new or additional farm productivity technologies.
Efficiency-building technologies such as remote operation devices have the potential to revolutionise some farm processes. If the agriculture sector is to reach its productivity targets, including the state's goal of $30 billion by 2030, farmers will need the digital infrastructure to adopt technologies on farm.
The current state of telecommunications in rural and regional areas is not only impeding business and productivity, but causing health and safety concerns.
NSW Farmers will be highlighting our many concerns relating to poor connectivity in an independent federal review into the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The review will seek to establish whether people in these parts of Australia have equitable access to telecommunications services to those residing in urban Australia.
Improved access to quality, reliable and affordable telecommunications is essential for business, health, education and social purposes. All residents of NSW deserve access to quality, reliable and affordable telecommunications services no matter where they live.
- James Jackson, NSW Farmers president
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