Digital Divide in Rural America Bridged by Satellites: Tom Stroup
Satellite Industry Association (SIA) president Tom Stroup testified recently on the importance of satellite connectivity before the House Committee on Agriculture in a hearing titled “Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America.”
“Satellite communication services are transforming the operation of our nation’s farms and ranches.”
Tom Stroup, SIA
“Americans without high speed internet access are slipping further behind as more and more aspects of American society are conducted online… and too many communities are on the wrong side of the divide,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) during the Hearing’s opening remarks. While emphasizing the critical and bi-partisan importance of bringing reliable connectivity to every part of rural America, Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) added, “Broadband is now an integral part of our daily lives, but most areas of rural America go without broadband and that must change now.”
Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America Helps Agriculture
“Satellite communication services are transforming the operation of our nation’s farms and ranches,” Stroup told the committee. “Satellites, unlike terrestrial communications, deliver a range of unique and reliable ubiquitous attributes that benefit our nation’s farmers. In addition to satellite supported telehealth, GPS equipped autonomous farm vehicles and remote sensing-enabled precision farming services, recent innovations have made the delivery of high quality, high-speed broadband, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity available to rural America everywhere and everyone – helping to close the digital divide across the United States.”
"Satellite enables remote farms with livestock sensors, soil monitors, and autonomous farming equipment in rural America, far beyond where terrestrial wireless and wireline can reach or make economic sense to deploy," Stroup continued. "Precision GPS technologies allow farmers to increase crop yield by optimizing use of fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, and applying site-specific treatments to fields. Earth imaging satellites provide regular high-resolution imagery that allows farmers to determine when to plant, water, or fertilize crops and can be used to provide crop yield estimates, conduct scout monitoring, and monitor global food security. Satellite advances in weather forecasting help farmers prepare for drought, floods, and other adverse weather conditions."
During the hearing on the digital divide in rural America, Mr. Stroup was joined by fellow witnesses which included the Honorable Jim Matheson, Chief Executive Officer, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, James Assey, Executive Vice President, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, David Zumwalt, President and Chief Executive Officer, WISPA – Broadband Without Borders, Bill Hurley, Chair, Agriculture Sector Board, Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Shirley Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association.
(Source: SIA news release. Image from House Agriculture Committee Video)