Broadband satellite services provider MorClick is making it possible for South African farmers in far-flung and remote areas to stay connected via satellite Internet.
Historically, SA’s farmers have long faced power supply, security and other basic infrastructure challenges, including cable theft and fixed-line deterioration, according to MorClick CEO Peter Wattrus.
These challenges, says Wattrus, compromise the ability of many South African farmers to harness the power of the Internet to manage social isolation or grow their businesses.
“Fortunately, rapid innovations in satellite technology have made it possible – for the first time in history – for South Africa’s farmers to be as connected and socially active as anyone living in Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town,” he says. “Gone are the days when the monthly trek to town provided the only social interaction that many farmers ever experienced.”
Earlier this year, Deloitte’s technology, media and telecommunications predictions indicated an increase in rollout of satellite broadband stations in 2020, to the benefit of the African continent.
Wattrus explains that satellite technology provides an affordable and reliable lifeline to off-grid agricultural operations that do not have access to fibre, are unable to finance expensive connectivity packages, or are victims of regular cable theft or collapsed local fixed-line infrastructure.
“By enabling telephone, television, Facebook, Instagram and Skype, and the host of other social media elements that, today, define human interaction, satellite Internet offers South Africa’s most isolated farmers a sense of identity and inclusion, while also enabling learning, basic administration, security and commercial success.”
With satellite, all farmers need is a dish, router and subscription that best suits their personal and operational needs, states the CEO.
“Since communications satellites are already in space, farmers don’t have to pay for one to be launched. In the case of MorClick, installation is quick, easy and absolutely free. There are no equipment costs and all MorClick packages are uncapped.
“MorClick’s nation-wide dealership network is also on hand to provide technical assistance and training where necessary to farmers unfamiliar with the technology, or seeking guidance on how to use satellite to improve their lifestyles or operations.”
Wattrus highlights that satellite technology provides even the smallest and most remote agricultural businesses the insight, access and know-how to treat animal and crop diseases, or affordably maximise yield or production, while also instantly accessing national – and even international – prices, markets and offtakers.
“Access to the Internet can also help farmers manage day-to-day supply and maintenance operations, educate children, upskill farm workers, and stay in touch with relatives and neighbours.
“This is especially important in poorly policed rural areas where satellite Internet can keep farmers in touch with their immediate community 24/7 even when the power is down.”
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