SpaceX and tractor manufacturer John Deere have entered into an agreement to deliver "cutting-edge" internet connection for rural farmers in the US and Brazil.

John Deere announced the partnership on Tuesday, Jan. 16, stating tractors can be equipped with the Starlink terminal to connect with the John Deere Operations Center.

The terminal will be outfitted with a 4G LTE JDLink modem for continued connectivity, allowing for autonomous real-time data sharing, diagnostics, and self-repair solutions.

John Deere has been improving its internet services for its agricultural robots since last year, upgrading its 3G connection to 4G.

The SpaceX SATCOM terminal for automated tractors will be available at a limited release in the second half of 2024.

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Internet Connection Remains a Challenge in Rural Areas in the US

With more limited access to affordable internet service, many rural residents and farmers do not have the privilege of regular connection amid the US government's push for agricultural tech.

According to an agricultural study in 2022, only 30% of the big US farmers have "high-quality" internet. The numbers are far worse in rural Brazil.

This is due to the more expensive satellite internet fee in the rural household compared to those in urban cities.

Internet connection has been proven to be important for farmers as it does with industries in the city, allowing for precise, effective, and efficient automation of agricultural workload.

Several legislative proposals have already pushed for better broadband coverage for rural areas, especially in agricultural regions, but only a few have come to fruition.

SpaceX Expands its Customer Service

The partnership with John Deere marks SpaceX's latest effort to expand its market service towards agricultural technology.

The aerospace manufacturer has begun tapping into the agriculture industry since 2014.

SpaceX has previously been reported to be looking for agriculture farmers to manage crop production in rockets and outer space. The announcement was made after the release of the space Odyssey film "Interstellar."

Then just last year, SpaceX partnered with Maple Grove farmers in Minnesota for real-time imaging of their farms via satellite.

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