'Frustrating': 3G shutdown leaves farmers struggling for signal
Farmers in New Zealand are reporting significant connectivity issues following the nationwide shutdown of the 3G network. A survey indicates that many rural properties now lack reliable mobile coverage, creating safety risks and operational challenges for agricultural businesses.
Why it matters
The digital divide remains a major issue for rural economies, where the loss of legacy infrastructure can threaten both safety and productivity.
<p>Some farmers say they're "quite frustrated" by patchy and unreliable rural mobile phone coverage after the 3G network was fully switched off earlier this year. </p> <p>A newly-released Federated Farmers Rural Connectivity survey of nearly 650 farmers found half of farms now have mobile coverage on less than half of the property since the 3G network was switched off in March. </p> <p>Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper said last year's report already showed service levels were "hit and miss", and things had gotten worse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/newsclip/farmers-unable-to-call-111-as-rural-coverage-gaps-persist" target="_blank"><b>Farmers unable to call 111 as rural coverage gaps persist - Watch on TVNZ+</b></a></p> <p>"A third of farmers told us they have a place on their farm that previously worked on 3G but no longer does.
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