Is rural 5G key to the future of farming?

Having adequate phone signal in rural areas could be “the difference between life and death”, says NFU Farm Safety and Transport Advisor, Tom Price.

The reliance on mobile phones may seem extreme, but with many famers lone-working, having immediate contact with emergency services, for example, is paramount. Not only could poor connectivity be detrimental to your welfare, it can mean risk to crops. Should a fire break out on-farm, being able to access the fire service as soon as possible could reduce the loss-level.

In August, the government announced plans to roll out 5G in rural areas. The plans involve increasing the amount and height of masts across the countryside to accommodate requirements.

5G is explained as another layer to the UK’s existing mobile network. It’s not a replacement to 4G.

5G promises faster speeds (up to 20 x faster than 4G) with a better quality;
Internet connections will be nigh-on instant;
And in busy areas and at peak times, connectivity won’t be affected by too many people trying to connect at once.

Read more about 5G here .

5G is still a thing of the future for rural communities, but when it does become accessible, AF will be here to help.

AF are here to find the best telecoms solutions suited to you, to ensure that you can work as productively and safely as possible. We can also assist you with connectivity and signal testing.