Deere seeks satellite service

Deere & Company announced it has issued a satellite communications (SATCOM)-focused request for proposals to secure a cutting-edge solution that will further connect its fleet of intelligent machines.

“We believe SATCOM will unlock significant opportunities in agriculture by enabling farmers to take advantage of innovative technologies that rely on real-time information and communication,” said Lane Arthur, VP of data, applications and analytics at John Deere & Co.

During the initial phase, Deere is seeking a strategic partnership with a vendor or set of vendors to connect both new machines and retrofitted machines through satellite service and ruggedized satellite terminals.

“For example, autonomous tractors benefit from real-time communication through the John Deere Operations Center, as farmers use the app to start and stop the machine, monitor the job it’s executing, and determine what it should do when it encounters an obstacle,” said Arthur.

This will enhance the satellite connectivity that Deere said it is already delivering to its customers today and is a critical step in the company’s commitment to creating value for farmers around the world.

This move is expected to enable Deere’s customers to, “be more productive and efficient, and increase food and fuel production for their communities and the world’s growing population.”