Precision Ag Overlay to National Broadband Map Tough, But Might Be Worth It: Analysis

""This bipartisan bill will bring high-speed broadband to the fields that feed America. Too often, cropland and pastures are left off the FCC's broadband map, cutting farmers off from the precision ag technology they need to boost yields, cut costs, and stay competitive. This bill makes sure federal broadband dollars reach the acres where the work happens," said the bill's author, Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN), in a social media post."

""What is precision ag? Why is it important? I've had at least some involvement with it since 2006. Precision ag enables water conversation, higher yields, reduced fuel and energy consumption, reduced fertilizers and pesticides, and a higher quality of life for our farmers. It enables so many good things for those who feed and clothe us. All these results depend on high-speed connections in some of the most rural parts of the United States.""

""What could be the benefits? For policymakers: The map would be a powerful tool for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Congress to identify \"precision ag deserts\" - areas of high agricultural importance with poor broadband connectivity. This would allow for strategic targeting of federal funds to close those gaps, boosting economic productivity and food security.""

The Data BRIDGE Act would require the Federal Communications Commission to update the National Broadband Map by adding an agricultural-location data layer. The bill is concise, containing a single instructive section while leaving many implementation details undefined. Incorporating cropland and pasture locations aims to prevent agricultural areas from being omitted and to ensure federal broadband funding reaches farms. Precision agriculture depends on reliable high-speed connections to enable water conservation, higher yields, reduced fuel and input use, and improved farmer quality of life. A mapped agricultural layer would help USDA, NTIA, and Congress identify precision ag deserts and target funds to close connectivity gaps.

Read at Telecompetitor