SpaceX signs a contract with agricultural machinery manufacturer Deere, enabling internet connectivity for tractors, harvesters, etc. in rural areas



On January 16, 2024, SpaceX's satellite internet service ``Starlink'' announced that it has signed a contract with American agricultural machinery manufacturer

Deere & Company . As a result, Deere tractors, herbicide sprayers, etc. can be connected to the Internet and used even in rural areas with weak reception.

John Deere, Meet Elon Musk: SpaceX Satellites to Link Farm Giant's Equipment - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/business/telecom/john-deere-meet-elon-musk-spacex-satellites-to-link-farm-giants-equipment-e0936668



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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/01/14/bt-elon-musk-starlink-broadband-offer/

Deere & Company, headquartered in Illinois, USA, has so far provided computer-assisted services for farmers, including herbicide sprayers equipped with software that can distinguish between crops and weeds, and tractors that can plow fields unmanned. I've been building it . Deere services allow you to remotely monitor equipment in your fields and receive real-time data on your soil, seeds, and plantings.

However, these services require a proper internet connection. According to Deere & Company, about 30% of rural areas in America do not have sufficient Wi-Fi. Additionally, in Brazil, Wi-Fi is not available in more than 70% of rural areas.

This agreement between SpaceX and Deere & Company will allow Deere & Company equipment such as tractors and crop dusters to be used with Starlink's satellite internet service in areas without adequate internet access. 'This agreement brings us one step closer to achieving ubiquitous connectivity everywhere in the world,' said Jammie Hindman, Chief Technology Officer, Deere & Company. This contract represents the biggest business opportunity for us.'

In response to this contract, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said, ``This will be a blessing for farmers.''




According to SpaceX, Starlink service will be available on agricultural machinery sold by Deere & Company in the second half of 2024, with the service scheduled to begin in rural areas of the United States and Brazil. In addition, Deere & Company reports, ``The antenna for Starlink connection is installed on agricultural machinery after being customized to withstand harsh conditions with a lot of dirt.''




In addition, Deere & Company states, ``Prices for antennas and software services for Starlink connectivity have not yet been determined.In addition to Starlink, if you subscribe to an appropriate terrestrial satellite communication service, Deere & Company will charge you for the use of software services. We plan to charge a fee based on the situation, and there is no need to purchase new equipment in this case.''

It has been reported that not only Deere & Company has signed a contract with SpaceX's Starlink business, but BT Group , a major British telecommunications carrier, is also negotiating with Starlink.

BT Group is considering using Starlink's satellite communication service to provide broadband services and mobile connections even in rural areas where internet access is insufficient. Starlink is working towards the launch of `` Direct to Cell, '' which allows satellite communication services to be used directly from existing smartphones, and the first text message using Direct to Cell will be sent on January 8, 2024. It has been reported that the transmission and reception of . It is hoped that this technology will be able to bring Internet connections to rural areas where conventional cables and other methods cannot reach them.

SpaceX releases first text message sent to mobile phone via satellite internet using Starlink's 'Direct to Cell' - GIGAZINE

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