More and more Island businesses are switching on to how 4G superfast mobile broadband can help them to improve efficiency, save time and money, and provide better customer service. In this feature we look at how the technology is being used in the farming, agriculture and veterinary sector.

Anyone in the farming and agriculture sectors can now have superfast internet access wherever they happen to be working – whether it’s a farmer out in the field or a supplier making a delivery. With 4G they can perform tasks on their smartphone or tablet device which previously may only have been possible by returning to their home or office to access fixed line broadband.

One local example of how 4G is being used in this sector is Milan Veterinary Practice which has clinics in Douglas, Castletown and Peel with total of 19 staff, including seven vets. The practice – which switched to Manx Telecom’s 4G service soon after the network was launched in July 2014 – now has three 4G enabled tablet devices and two smartphones. Vets and their colleagues provide care for a wide range of animals, from small family pets to horses and ponies. Services range from vaccinations, microchipping and dietary advice, to clinical treatment and surgery for animals suffering from illness or injury.

Making a fast and accurate diagnosis is vitally important in providing the best possible treatment, and in getting the animal back to good health as soon as possible. Ray Cox, Practice Principal, says that 4G has made a massive difference in improving the diagnostic process. “We use 4G to send and receive large image files such as X-ray images or photos of animals with skin conditions which can be difficult to diagnose. Being able to send these images from any location to colleagues, or to veterinary experts off-Island for a second opinion, can significantly reduce the time it takes to make the correct diagnosis, and therefore allows us to provide even better customer service. X-ray images in particular are very large files and used to take a long time to upload and download via the 3G network. Now, with 4G, a vet can be out in our stable yard discussing treatment for an injured horse with its owner, and they can see high-definition X-ray images sent via 4G to a tablet device just minutes after the X-ray has been processed.”

4G also means that vets visiting clients can send high resolution photos back to colleagues, or receive patient files and other large documents which they may need while out on calls. Having instant access to lab reports or the results of blood tests on their smartphones, and in any location, is another important time-saving result of using 4G.

All of this means that the technology is helping Milan Vets do its most important job – reducing the time that an animal has to suffer with an illness or injury. Waiting to find out what is wrong with a family pet, pony or horse can be an anxious time for owners, so speeding up the diagnostic process helps them too. Mr Cox added: “4G has enabled us to fast track treatment, especially for horses. It has definitely made a big difference to the service we can provide, which is good for the practice, our customers, and – most importantly – the animals we care for.”

Richard Skinner, Manx Telecom Account Manager, commented: “The innovative way in which Milan Veterinary Practice is using 4G is just one of many examples of how our network is helping businesses across the Island. The superfast speeds which 4G delivers mean that it’s now possible to create a truly mobile working environment – especially when combined with a cloud solution. 4G is up to 10 times faster than 3G mobile broadband, so it’s a real leap forward in technology. Our 4G network offers unbeatable on-Island mobile broadband speeds, the best coverage, and is backed by world class customer service – but equally important is that it’s available at a price which makes it a cost-effective option for small and medium sized enterprises. As the Milan Veterinary Practice example shows, upgrading to 4G can be a simple and affordable way to improve efficiency, and deliver important benefits for clients by improving communications and customer service.”

Manx Telecom launched the Island’s first 4G network in July 2014 following a ?10million investment in superfast mobile broadband technology. The network now has 99% population coverage and is available for both contract and pay as you go customers. Go to www.manxtelecom/4g for more details or visit the Manx Telecom store in Strand Street to see for yourself the fantastic speed of superfast broadband on more than 40 smartphones and tablets.

Photo - Ray Cox, Practice Principal at Milan Veterinary Practice.