The Agriculture Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released a report on rural cell and internet service, revealing a need for more reliable telecommunications services.
APAS conducted an online survey between May and December 2019. They received over 500 responses, covering 181 of the province’s 296 rural municipalities.
Respondents are clearly frustrated with the current level of service offered. Just 18 per cent reported satisfaction with their internet service, while 75 per cent said they were dissatisfied. In terms of cell service, 28 per cent said they were satisfied, with 63 per cent noting their dissatisfaction.
Additionally, 62 per cent of respondents reported some form of service disruption with their internet service at least once a day, while 31 per cent said they face multiple daily disruptions. Just four per cent of respondents said they never experience a service disruption.
Similarly, 65 per cent of respondents reported disruption to cell service at least once daily. Only two per cent said they never have problems.
“When you’re out harvesting you have no time to waste, so when slow service keeps you from getting your parts, bidding on equipment, or signing your contracts it can mean the difference between a profit and loss that day,” said APAS president Todd Lewis in a press release. “It’s not only the difference between making and losing money. If I get stuck out in the field and I can’t call for help it can be a potentially dangerous situation.”
The full report is available online.
APAS has launched a follow-up survey. Saskatchewan residents living on farms, First Nations, and in small towns are asked to share their experiences with rural cell phone and internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey can be completed at apas.ca/survey.
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