Broadband Bill Would Push Internet to Every “Last Acre” in Rural America

USDA’s Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report revealed that in 2022, roughly 18% of U.S. farms don’t have access to the internet. While efforts to link the broadband gaps have been put in motion, no piece of legislation addresses every corner of the U.S.
 
Current rural development programs focus on connecting networks to rural households and businesses—a “last mile” approach. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) rolled out the LAST ACRE Act on the Senate floor this week, with the hopes of pushing connectivity to every U.S. farm in a “last acre” approach.

“Producers looking to adopt precision ag technologies need network connectivity that extends far past their residences. They need to be able to make real-time decisions that increase yields and employ resources more efficiently. Our LAST ACRE Act will ensure USDA has the strategy and resources needed to support last acre connectivity,” said Fischer.

If passed, the LAST ACRE Act would:
•    Establish an initial bid application for internet access across farms and ranches
•    Create a system for connectivity devices to be placed on farm sites, structures and machinery
•    Generate a competitive bidding process for service providers
•    Direct USDA to include Census of Ag questions about broadband

Kip Eideberg, Ag Equipment Manufacturer’s senior vice president of government and industry relations, echoed Fischer’s comments, saying the act would ensure all aspects of rural America are connected, “from the hospital to the school and from the farmhouse to the field.”

A comprehensive breakdown  of the LAST ACRE Act can be found here.