Federated Farmers: Increased cellphone speed makes life easier

Farmers are looking forward to improved communications

"Farmers hate paperwork", says Waikato dairy chair Chris Lewis, but technology is making it less a distraction.

Mr Lewis' farm has experienced something akin to a transformation since the Rural Broadband initiative was rolled out last year.

The installation process was relatively straightforward after contacting Vodafone.

"Once I explained over the phone my situation, the technician was on board within two weeks. They were very efficient and only took an hour max to set up," he said.

The new wireless connectivity courtesy of Vodafone's newly installed masts has delivered cellphone coverage three times faster (from 10 per cent to 30 per cent) to Mr Lewis' farm.

"It's great to be able to pick up emails on the phone instantly and I can follow more closely what's going on around the farm and this is particularly reassuring," he said.

The Pukeatua farmer said the rural broadband initiative opened up options for farmers as rural internet providers could join the network which meant faster internet speeds were more readily accessible.

The 3G mobile and broadband initiative, introduced last year, was great value at $90 for unlimited calls. It was also paying dividends in the cowshed.

"There was a situation recently when there was no water in one of the troughs. Being 5am, it was very handy for staff to notify me, so I texted back to tell them to turn off the tap in neighbouring paddock to conserve water, while we worked out what had happened."

Mr Lewis is considering implementing Vodafone satellite to his already well-equipped cowshed.

"My shed, It's not robotic, but I have virtually all the bells and whistles in terms of milking systems and it would be ideal to get hooked up there as it would help with real time monitoring and remote access for technicians to diagnose faults."

Farmers should take time to decide on what technology is going to work for them.

"If you don't understand it after five minutes, I would advise you don't buy it," Mr Lewis said.

Also, it was best to get a second opinion and not just listen to salespeople, for instance, the best advice was likely to come from a farmer who was actually using the technology.

Mr Lewis said it was hard to fault the technology, though the undulating topography of his farm meant he was unable to get full network coverage.

"The only other regret I have since I got on the network is that I can't make excuses about no coverage and everybody can get a hold of me know," he laughed.