Strategies for Overcoming Productivity Barriers in Rural Remote Businesses.

Small, home-based businesses play an important role in the economy of rural areas. There are often fewer jobs or a less diverse range of jobs available in rural areas, so being able to operate a home-based business opens the door to new opportunities.

The wonderful Katie Brenneman writes this week’s article. Thank you, Katie, for writing this for me.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has been on the rise in rural areas, with many seeking more balance in their work life and new ways to support themselves and their families without uprooting their lives and moving to a bigger city. However, despite this uptick in remote work and the digital revolution that is occurring across the country, research shows that territorial digital divides are compounding digital inequalities in rural areas.

Many businesses that offer high-speed internet and other advanced digital services are simply focusing their efforts on higher populated areas where they are likely to make more money. But in today’s modern world, reliable and robust digital connectivity is vital. Furthermore, ignoring digital infrastructure needs in rural areas can have serious economic implications.

So what is there to be done about it? While the government has a responsibility to update policies and regulatory frameworks to improve rural connectivity, small business owners can take steps to boost their connectivity.

Remote Businesses in Rural Settings: Challenges and Limitations.

One of the biggest setbacks of digital inequalities in rural settings is the impact it can have on productivity levels. Day-to-day productivity can make or break a business, and while numerous factors can affect productivity, such as training, mental health, social media distractions, and a poor work-life balance, a lack of access to robust internet services is one of the worst.

A lack of incentive to invest in rural digital infrastructure from ISPs and other telecommunication companies is resulting in various connectivity challenges for small business owners in remote settings such as:

• Limited high-speed internet service options;
• Higher costs for what options do exist;
• Inconsistent speeds;
• Limited access to support and maintenance;
• Challenges with mobile network coverage.

A number of other obstacles also exist, limiting what digital options are available in rural communities. Complex regulatory frameworks, for example, are hindering the expansion of digital connectivity in rural areas. A lack of infrastructure to support advanced telecommunication services, such as fibre optic cables and cell towers, is also a problem. Environmental factors, such as heavy flooding and snowfall in rural settings, can pose risks to digital infrastructure.

Strategies to Overcome Rural Business Challenges and Boost Productivity.

Thankfully, as awareness of rural connectivity issues grows, multiple strategies have emerged to address these challenges:

Alternative and Innovative Technologies — Leveraging technology is a great way to optimise productivity and connectivity. With recent advancements, numerous alternative technologies are now readily available to help with connectivity issues, including mesh networks, fixed wireless, satellite internet, TV white space, and cellular signal boosters.

Strategic Public-Private Partnerships — Forming partnerships with local public and private organisations, such as educational institutes, local governments, non-profits, and stakeholders, can help overcome financial barriers and develop better digital infrastructure.

Community Networks — Small rural businesses can also leverage community engagement through digital literacy initiatives and training programs to help spread awareness and encourage the uptake of better digital infrastructure, technologies, and internet services.

Choosing the Right Internet for Your Rural, Remote Business.

When all is said and done, to avoid productivity setbacks and increase overall performance, sometimes you need to invest in the options available, even if they are at a higher cost. Hopefully, as awareness of the digital inadequacies in rural areas improves and governments step in to improve digital infrastructure, more options will become available, and prices will be more accessible.

In the meantime, these are some routes to get reliable internet in rural areas that are worth looking into:

Fixed Wireless Internet.

This internet option is great for rural areas and businesses that face infrastructure issues because it doesn’t require cables or wires. Instead, you get a receiver that receives wireless internet that is broadcast from towers in the area.

4G Mobile Broadband.

4G internet is a great backup option if you struggle with reliability from your daily internet service provider. This type of connection is offered through cell phone service companies and connects your computer to the internet the same way cell phones are connected. It’s not a great long-term option, but it can come in handy if your regular internet service is experiencing an outage.

Satellite Internet.

As the name suggests, this type of service provides internet access via satellite. While satellite internet speeds are slower than cable or fibre internet, which are commonly available in urban areas, the satellite still offers excellent coverage and reliability.

Final Thoughts.

Seeking innovative ways to improve connectivity in rural areas is essential to work productivity. Interruptions in service and slow communication can drag business performance, but the solutions in this article are a great place to start. A holistic approach that combines alternative technologies, community networks, and strategic partnerships is critical to overcoming barriers and empowering rural businesses and communities to thrive.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specialising in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on X.

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