Kiwi Farmers plough through the most 4G data

Tuesday, 31 May 2016, 10:02 am
Press Release: Spark

Kiwi Farmers plough through the most 4G data

Spark has found that farmers and the rural sector are consistently the highest users of 4G data across all of New Zealand.

When analysing data traffic over the last month, Spark’s cell towers in both Waiuku and Te Puke show the highest use in all of New Zealand. Farmers and rural residents in these two locations are consistently using over 1 terrabyte of data every week – which is the equivalent of watching 1000 hours (or nearly 42 days!) of non-stop online TV content like Lightbox each week.

Other rural sites including Pukekura, Te Awamutu, Pukekohe and Te Kawa also rank extremely high in 4G data usage, demonstrating that Kiwi farmers are now using mobile technology to enhance their businesses – whether that’s at the farm-gate, on the road or in the paddock.

Spark’s 4G technology is now available to 90% of where New Zealanders live, work and play, and allows customers to enjoy better and faster mobile coverage and access to rural wireless broadband technology.

Waiuku farmer Campbell Shuker says his access to faster 4G speeds has improved things for the whole family.

“I run my farm business using a number of applications including Farm Source throughout the day to monitor my farm production. Having a fast reliable broadband service and 4G means that I can access my internet banking, e-mails, monitor weather and the many insights to my milk production and quality. I can then consider immediate changes that will impact my farm profitability like the feed requirements.”

Shuker adds: “We regularly get speeds of 50mbps which has meant the kids are seamlessly streaming videos, downloading music and staying in touch with their friends which is hugely important for rural kids.”

General Manager of Networks for Spark, Colin Brown says the spike in rural data traffic signals the increase of exciting technologies that are coming in to play for the agribusiness sector.

“New technologies like Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications can do things like monitor soil and rainfall levels, or track herd movements. M2M technology makes the process of recording, storing and uploading key data to the likes of the cloud faster, meaning greater productivity and saving significant cost to farmers” said Mr Brown.

Spark’s rural 4G coverage utilises the 700MHz radio spectrum, which means customers who have previously experienced slow internet speeds on a fixed line may now be able to sign up to Spark’s Wireless Broadband service.

“4G on the 700MHz spectrum is ideal for the rural and agribusiness sector, as the signal can travel further from the cell site than other frequencies. Our Wireless Broadband product uses the 4G mobile network and allows customers fast, reliable and affordable internet access. This is key for people who currently lack access to an adequate high speed fixed internet service” said Mr Brown.

Customers interested in learning more about Spark Wireless Broadband can go to http://www.spark.co.nz/wirelessbroadband/

Customers will need to have a 4G-capable mobile device and 4G coverage to connect to 4G.

ENDS

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