Agricultural technology is on a rise and rural farmers have the biggest chance to capitalise on this growth.
Among the many technological advancements happening in Australia’s agricultural industry is the use of the so-called “smart farming” where new tech is being used and combined with methods of traditional farming.
According to The Land, drones are being used on farms and ranches which tremendously help farmers in managing their lands. However, there are still many hindrances to these advancements such as the lack of a stable mobile Internet connection.
Last June, Mark Coulton, member for Parkes, and Karen Andrews, assistant minister for Science paid a visit to Moree’s agronomy business B&W Rural, wherein they were shown some the new innovations in the agricultural industry.
Though these technologies are working to an extent, they could still greatly benefit from better mobile Internet connectivity, especially for remote and rural areas in Australia.
According to Coulton, the government needs to find balance between people who without basic Internet connection and supporting mobile connections to further advance agricultural development.
In addition, the amount of data supplied through Australia’s phone networks is reported to be growing at a fast rate and Coulton reiterated that it’s up to the telecommunication companies to make sure their services can adapt the massive growth.

“It’s a conversation I’ll be having with the telcos to make sure they’re continually upgrading their services to take these advancements into account.”

Telstra area general manager for the northern region Michael Marom countered that it was hard for them to keep up with the pace of growth, as data requirements double every 12 to 15 months.
Marom also addressed the complaints of people who said they are losing Internet reception and said that it may be due to factors such as ‘native vegetation’.
With the challenge facing Australian agriculture in the form of climate change and the growing demand for food production in an increasing continent population, farmers and their farms are pressured to produce and must also face issues of sustainability. Having telecommunications technology available for regional and rural Australia, where agriculture is sparse, allows potential for adaptation of technologies – from data analysis, automation of systems and the availability of resource for use in increasing the chances for bumper crop harvest.
The nbn® is also doing its share through the expansion of its footprint across Australia. Internet-Telecommunications services such as the nbn® Fixed Wireless and the new nbn® satellite internet service, Sky Muster® bring internet to rural and regional areas that help start the adaptation of farm technologies.
The nbn® ‘s Sky Muster satellite brings better satellite internet connectivity to regional Australia. To get connected to Sky Muster Plans, call Activ8me today 13 22 88 or visit: https://activ8me.net.au/internet/skymuster