From frustration to solution with the support of Regional Tech Hub

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee conducting the Regional Telecommunications Review. The Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services. The NFF’s submission highlights stories from three farmers – Daniel Keam, Wendy Hick and John Shaw – to illustrate the complex and compounding connectivity challenges facing Australian farmers and their families living in regional, rural and remote areas.

Interviewee: John Shaw, Gunning NSW

For John Shaw, the frustration of spending two days to print a single bank statement was a turning point. At 72 years old, John has seen many changes in agriculture, but the struggle for reliable internet connectivity in regional Australia has been one of the most pressing challenges.  

The importance of connectivity 

For John, a seasoned farmer, the role of internet connectivity on his 220 hectare farm in Gunning, NSW, cannot be overstated. Over the years, as the digital world has expanded, so too has John’s reliance on a stable internet connection. Whether it’s managing finances or communicating with suppliers, connectivity has become integral to the farm’s daily operations. 

Like many farmers in regional areas, John initially faced significant hurdles with internet connectivity. The primary service provider in John’s area was Telstra, and while the service was reliable, options were limited.  

“Telstra was our major provider, who we’re still with and have no problems with,” John notes.  

The signal strength of other providers like Optus and Vodafone was poor, leaving Telstra as the sole viable option. 

Discovery of the Regional Tech Hub 

John’s journey towards improved connectivity took a pivotal turn when he attended a Regional Tech Hub forum in October last year.  

The Regional Tech Hub (the Hub) was launched in December 2020 to provide independent and factual information to help people in regional and rural Australia get connected and stay connected more easily. The Hub provides a range of practical resources aimed at helping regional consumers find appropriate telecommunications services in their area, as well as troubleshooting tips, escalating faults with service providers and helping users to understand their consumer rights.  

The Hub was able to pinpoint coverage on John’s property and provide him with invaluable guidance.  

“I knew about a forum they were holding in Crookwell. I went along, spoke to them about what they had, and they looked into my situation,” John recalls. 

Through the forum, John learned about Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, and how it could be integrated through Telstra. This discovery was a game-changer. Transitioning to Starlink was a relatively smooth process, albeit with a learning curve for both John and the service providers.  

“I think I was the first person who bought the Starlink dish and also the plan from Telstra in Goulburn,” John says with a hint of pride.  

Despite some initial challenges, the collaboration between John and Telstra resulted in a successful setup, providing John with a reliable internet connection. The benefits were immediate and profound.  

“There have been no dropouts. We get a guaranteed 50 megabytes per second.” 

This stable and high-speed connection has significantly enhanced his ability to manage the farm’s operations efficiently. From quickly printing bank statements to ensuring seamless communication, the upgrade has alleviated many of the frustrations that once plagued his workday. 

Overcoming technological challenges 

Staying up to date with technology can be daunting, especially for those who are not digital natives. At 72, John acknowledges this but emphasises the importance of perseverance.  

“It still continues to be challenging. You talk to a lot of people and they just get frustrated with it all, thinking that it’s all too hard. And it probably is for some because we’re not young anymore, and if you don’t keep up with it then you get left behind.”  

John has made a concerted effort to stay informed and adapt to new technologies, a mindset that has served him well. The Regional Tech Hub played a crucial role in this journey, not only providing information but also offering hands-on support.  

“They guided me through it.” 

The personalised assistance helped demystify the process, making it more accessible. 

Future prospects  

John’s experience underscores the potential for technological advancements to transform rural farming. He is optimistic about the future and the role of services like the Regional Tech Hub in bridging the digital divide.  

“They weren’t there to sell the products. They were there to guide us in the direction of what we could do,” he says, appreciating the unbiased support that helped him make an informed decision. 

The broader implications of improved connectivity in regional areas are significant. Reliable internet can enhance not only business operations but also quality of life, enabling access to telehealth, education and entertainment. For farmers like John, it represents a step towards a more efficient, connected and resilient agricultural sector. 

Living in a small town in NSW, John has navigated the challenges of limited internet options, leveraging the support of the Regional Tech Hub to set up reliable connectivity.