Disconnected: new study into rural broadband

A new study investigating the availability of reliable broadband in rural areas, and the impact this has on lives and businesses, is being welcomed by farmers. The Commerce Commission's study aims to paint a picture of the rural telecommunications market, including the options available to communities, businesses and farmers, beyond the national UFB fibre footprint, and how these are priced and performing. Fibre has been rolled out to 87 percent of the country's households, mainly in urban areas. That means more than one in every ten homes don't have it, mainly in rural areas. Federated Farmers did a survey last year showing coverage, reliability and speed of mobile and internet services for many farming families and businesses are treading water, if not going backwards. Almost 1 in 5 farms are moving to relatively expensive satellite broadband, such as Star Link, where fibre isn't available. Kathryn speaks with Federated Farmers national telecommunications chairperson Richard McIntyre and Chief Executive of the Tech Users Group Craig Young, who is also welcoming the review, but cautions satellite connection is not a good enough option.