The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) raised concerns about the continued lack of adequate telecommunications services in rural Saskatchewan.
From May to December 2019, APAS conducted a survey on rural internet and cell service and found a high level of disruption, dissatisfaction and disinvestment in rural communities.
Reliable internet and cellular coverage are critical for rural communities to support their businesses, students, health services and overall quality of life.
“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 and farmer Todd Lewis. “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 complete survey report is published at apas.ca.
To further understand this issue and how COVID-19 is affecting the agriculture sector, APAS launched a follow-up survey and invited Saskatchewan residents living on farms, First Nations and in small towns to share their experiences with rural cell phone and internet service. The survey can be found at apas.ca/survey.
