Rural life better with broadband

The Government's rural broadband initiative will help retain people in rural areas, a survey conducted by the University of Otago says.

The survey of 400 people in North Otago and Maniototo shows that while not essential, high-speed internet access will contribute to people's ability to stay in rural areas.

Otago Federated Farmers' president Mike Lord agrees, although he points out that some rural people have found ways to get high-speed access other than dial-up.

"I suppose it depends a lot on how vital you regard the internet.

"For many people, including farmers, it has become such a big part of our lives," he said.

The survey, conducted in areas of North Otago and the Maniototo by Prof Geoff Kearsley of the department of media, film and communication, may be extended to a much larger sample of rural people.

The Government has signed a $285 million deal to provide broadband in rural areas.

Rural communities will receive vastly improved broadband and mobile services over the next six years.

The university's survey asked residents how satisfactory existing internet facilities were and whether they had helped slow rural depopulation.

"Although the majority of people have access to the internet, most experienced problems of speed and reliability on a regular basis," Prof Kearsley said.

Mr Lord has experienced that with dial-up connections, but has got around it by accessing mobile broadband, even though it is expensive. Other farmers have used satellite connections.

He said before that it was difficult getting even a simple email without the dial-up connection timing out.

The survey was distributed among 200 people in and around Kurow and another 200 in and around Ranfurly and showed internet was essential for many businesses, providing support and employment opportunities for most respondents.

Small businesses associated with the Central Otago Rail Trail and other tourism ventures were particularly dependent on the internet and most farmers made significant use of it.

Longer term residents in both areas noted the loss or down-grading of local services such as banks and post offices, which had been replaced by online services that were just as good or better.

While 10% of respondents said the internet was essential for them continuing to live in the rural areas, two-thirds saw internet access as contributing to their ability to stay.

"It is clear that even with slow and unreliable access, the internet is playing an important part in rural people's lives," Prof Kearsley said.

It had enhanced social lives, created and enhanced business opportunities, replaced lost services and was helping rural people to stay where they would most like to live.

"One or two people have even been able to go and live in the country because of broadband facilities," he said.

- david.bruce@odt.co.nz