After conducting a survey earlier in the year on the connectivity of internet and cellular services, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan announced that they are launching a Rural Connectivity Task Force aimed at looking into the barriers of better internet and cellular service in the province, as well as the opportunities available to improve those services.

From now until January, the task force will be meeting with industry experts, service providers, academics, and the public to determine why there are issues with connectivity and the ways to improve it.

The task force is being chaired by Jeremey Welter, an APAS board member for the R.M. of Mariposa. Others on the board include APAS vice president Ian Boxall from the R.M. of Connaught, APAS vice president Bill Prybylski from the R.M. of Garry, Bev Pirio from the R.M. of Laurier, and Paige Stewart, the co-chair of the APAS Young Agricultural Producers Committee.

“This is an important step towards addressing the digital divide in our province,” said Todd Lewis, farmer and APAS President. “Saskatchewan’s rural residents are losing out on opportunities because of a lack of service. Reliable internet is needed for rural communities to support their businesses, students, health services, and overall quality of life.”

The task force is expected to release their preliminary findings in December, with a final report to be delivered early in 2021.