Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity

Summary#

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its rules for fixed satellite service, mobile satellite service, and earth exploration satellite service. The FCC must check whether it can use its existing authority to change rules to promote precision agriculture. If the FCC finds possible changes, it must develop recommendations for how to implement them. The FCC must consult with the Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States. The FCC must send a report with the review results and any recommendations to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee within 15 months after the law takes effect.

What it means for you#

  • The bill starts a formal review of satellite-related rules to see if they can be adjusted to support precision agriculture.
  • The review and any recommendations do not by themselves change rules; separate FCC action would be needed to make rule changes.
  • The Task Force on precision agriculture connectivity will be consulted during the review.
  • A public report to Congress is required within 15 months.

Expenses#

The bill text does not authorize spending or include cost estimates. No publicly available information on expected costs or budgetary effects is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s stated purpose is to promote precision agriculture by reviewing FCC satellite service rules and developing recommendations where the FCC can act under existing authority.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.