IT is unacceptable that rural communities remain ‘second class citizens’ when it comes to accessing broadband and mobile coverage, according to NFU Cymru.

In a survey, conducted by the NFU last October, 46 per cent of those questioned didn’t believe they received sufficient broadband for the needs of their business, while 37 per cent didn’t believe they received sufficient mobile signal for the needs of the business.

NFU Cymru president John Davies said: “In this digital age, where technology is moving so quickly, I find it extremely frustrating to hear of members who still fail to open an e-mail or receive a phone call due to poor broadband or mobile coverage on farm.

"This is absolutely unacceptable and is holding farmers back from maximising business opportunities.

“In a cabinet statement in December, on Superfast Cymru, Julie James AM announced that Wales now enjoys over 95 per cent broadband access coverage to homes and businesses.

"However, 50 per cent of our respondents who had internet connection had a download speed of 2Mbps or lower.

"Considering the average download speed in Wales is 33.4Mbps, it is apparent that rural communities are second class citizens when it comes to accessing sufficient broadband."

Mr Davies added: “Welsh Government continues to push the need for Welsh farmers to become more resilient - especially ahead of Brexit - and this is exactly what the industry is striving for, but broadband and mobile coverage is holding us back.

"(Some) 46 per cent of those surveyed didn’t believe they received sufficient broadband for the needs of their business and 37 per cent of those surveyed didn’t believe they received sufficient mobile signal for the needs of the business.

"How can businesses become more resilient when they can’t even access the standard communication channels?

“With the industry facing so much uncertainty, it is clear that farmers need as many tools as possible to maintain business resilience, and having access to digital connectivity is paramount if they are to compete with our international neighbours in the global market.”

Most worrying of all for the president is the health and safety aspect.

Only 16 per cent of respondents reported that they had reliable mobile signal in all outdoor locations when on farm, with nine per cent saying they have no reliable locations for mobile signal when outdoors.

"With farmers often working long hours alone in isolated locations, it is vital that farmers have access to reliable mobile coverage to call for help," he added.

“More must be done by Welsh Government to ensure the connectivity divide between urban and rural communities is decreased.

"The benefits that full connectivity will bring to farming businesses will enable the industry to continue to be productive, profitable and progressive in the future.”