The technology on board agricultural machinery has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent decades. However, it is about to take a very important leap with the help of John Deere. The manufacturer has teamed up with starlink to bring satellite internet to its catalog of tractors, harvesters and sprayers, according to reports The Wall Street Journal.
The aforementioned media indicates that John Deere intends to take advantage of the capacity of the Starlink satellite constellation to bring connectivity to agricultural work carried out in remote places. The American company tried several alternatives before leaning in favor of Elon Musk’s. The selection of Starlink, as mentioned, responds to the speed with which its satellites transmit signals from low Earth orbit.
As Starlink commented through its account on X (Twitter)John Deere will begin offering access to its satellite internet both new and existing models of their self-propelled agricultural machines. Of course, for now no specific prices or deadlines for its implementation have been mentioned.
The green giant indicated that the option of providing connectivity via Starlink to its combines, tractors and sprayers It will be launched this year in Brazil and areas of the United States without an internet connection. However, there is no more specific data on the date.
Another crucial point is how the antennas developed by SpaceX will be adapted to be attached to John Deere machines. As indicated by the WSJmore robust and dust-resistant variants will be developed, specifically designed for use in planting and harvesting environments, which will be installed on the cabin roofs.
John Deere partners with Starlink to offer connectivity in its agricultural machines
While the initial goal is to launch Starlink access in Brazil and the United States, John Deere promises to bring it to more countries. It would not be unusual for one of its first expansions to be in South America. Especially if we consider that agriculture is also a fundamental part of countries like Argentina and Uruguay. There, SpaceX satellite internet is not yet available, but in theory it would arrive this year.
According to its website, Starlink will be officially available in Argentine territory from the second quarter of 2024. While Uruguayan neighbors would receive it from the third quarter. In both markets, John Deere has a historical presence that could be used to provide a technological leap.
The use of satellite tools on tractors, combines or sprayers is not new, nor is it unique to John Deere. The vast majority of machinery manufacturers provide solutions for precision farming. Among them, autopilot systems, active guidance of implements or satellite flaggers.
However, the lack of web connectivity on tracts of land away from ground towers is an issue that makes access to John Deere digital services difficult. According to the manufacturer, 30% of the hectares planted in the United States do not have wireless internet access, and in countries like Brazil it rises to 70%.
The company aspires to remedy this with Starlink, as part of a deeper business strategy. The report of The Wall Street Journal states that, by the end of the current decade, John Deere intends to 10% of its annual revenue comes from its software services offering.