More than four in 10 farmers still don’t have adequate fast and reliable broadband in order to run a modern-day farming business, according to a new NFU survey.
The results highlight how business growth is hampered by persistent poor connectivity and mobile coverage in rural areas.
Labour’s Dan Norris said: “My rural broadband signal drops in and out and that’s irritating. But for many farmers it is business crucial. Modern farming needs fast and reliable internet access. Fixing the urban-rural divide in digital connectivity must become a priority.”
If elected as Metro Mayor Mr Norris will commission a review into digital connectivity in the West of England, identifying areas with poor internet coverage and creating a plan for rapid broadband rollout.