With a rising need to address global food insecurity and resource-efficient agricultural production, digital and precision agricultural innovations are poised as a solution to the complex problems facing our world. However, many of these innovations require broadband infrastructure for usage.
In a recently published journal article in Sustainability,” authors Catherine Sanders, Kristin Gibson, and Alexa Lamm explore how the Biden administration outreach and communication positions rural broadband policy. They specifically analyzed how Biden administration press documents framed the issue of broadband access.
Findings revealed how the Biden administration is moving away from the term “rural broadband” to using “universal broadband.” While this demonstrates an attempt to encompass all those impacted by lack of broadband infrastructure, the shifting frame could potentially reduce efforts to getting broadband access in rural communities that need it most. Additionally, most agricultural production occurs in rural areas, which would need broadband access as well to keep up with ever-changing agricultural innovations.
Moving forward, both rural broadband and precision agriculture advocates may benefit from working together to ensure increased rural broadband access for all.
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