Gary Zhou 
Key Takeaways
- Starlink is expanding in Brazil via a partnership with John Deere to enhance rural agriculture connectivity.
- John Deere began shipping Starlink equipment in Brazil and the U.S. in January 2025, with sales reaching over 2,000 units.
- Aaron Wetzel from John Deere stated that sales are surpassing expectations, emphasizing the need for connectivity to maximize technology value.
- Approximately 20% of the U.S. lacks reliable internet, while 70% of John Deere’s connectivity relies on AT&T’s 4G network.
- John Deere integrates Starlink by placing terminals on tractor cabs, offering speeds of 50-100Mb/s downlink and 10-20Mb/s uplink with low latency.
- Starlink enables farmers to use John Deere’s mobile app for live video feeds, real-time data sharing, and advanced features like autonomy and remote diagnostics.
- John Deere and Starlink partnership announced in August 2024 includes rugged Starlink terminals for agricultural connectivity solutions in the U.S. and Brazil.
In a groundbreaking endeavor to boost connectivity in underserved agricultural regions, Starlink has partnered with John Deere to provide satellite broadband services that are transforming farming practices. This strategic partnership is not only a significant development in the realm of satellite internet but also a game-changer for the agriculture industry, particularly in rural areas of Brazil and the United States.
Agriculture is rapidly evolving with the advent of technology, and connectivity plays a crucial role in this transformation. As rural areas often suffer from poor internet infrastructure, limited connectivity can hinder the implementation of advanced agricultural practices. Enter Starlink and John Deere, two giants in their respective fields, whose collaboration aims to address this connectivity gap and redefine what is possible in farming.
Expanding Horizons with Starlink and John Deere
Starlink has long been renowned for its low Earth orbit satellite technology, providing high-speed internet to remote areas. By partnering with John Deere, they bring this cutting-edge internet solution to the fields, literally. Here’s how they are making an impact:
1. Deployment and Growth
- In January 2025, John Deere began integrating Starlink’s satellite broadband service within Brazil and certain parts of the U.S. The initiative targeted areas with limited internet access, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
- Sales of the Starlink equipment have already exceeded 2,000 units, surpassing expectations, as noted by Aaron Wetzel, VP of production and precision ag production systems at John Deere. This rapid adoption showcases the urgent need for improved connectivity in agriculture.
2. Addressing Connectivity Challenges
- Currently, about 20% of the U.S. lacks reliable internet access, which is a significant hurdle for modern farming techniques that rely on digital connectivity.
- John Deere has traditionally relied on AT&T’s 4G network, covering 70% of its North American operations. The Starlink partnership offers a much-needed alternative, ensuring reliable and high-speed internet access.
How Starlink’s Technology Enhances Farming
The integration of Starlink’s internet service with John Deere equipment is a technological marvel. Here’s how it works:
Seamless Integration
- Starlink Terminals on Tractors: John Deere installs Starlink terminals on the cabs of agricultural machinery. This integration provides exceptional internet speeds, with downlink speeds ranging from 50 to 100 Mb/s and uplink speeds between 10 to 20 Mb/s, all with minimal latency (20 to 70 milliseconds).
- Aftermarket Solution: These terminals are also available as aftermarket devices, meaning existing equipment can be upgraded with this technology.
Empowering Farmers with Connectivity
- John Deere Mobile App: Farmers can leverage the Starlink-powered connectivity to utilize John Deere’s mobile app, gaining access to real-time data sharing, live video feeds from the field, and even remote diagnostics. This connectivity paves the way for autonomous farming and enhanced machine-to-machine communication.
- Advanced Features: The availability of high-speed internet allows for features such as self-repair, remote diagnostics, and machine autonomy, pushing the boundaries of what agricultural equipment can achieve.
The Strategic Partnership
The announcement made in August 2024 marked a significant milestone for both companies. The deployment of rugged Starlink terminals ensures they withstand the challenging conditions of agricultural environments in both the U.S. and Brazil. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to enhancing rural farming through technology.
Future Prospects
The partnership between Starlink and John Deere represents a paradigm shift in agriculture. By bridging the connectivity gap, these companies are empowering farmers with the tools and information necessary to make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and boost productivity. As this initiative expands, it promises to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by making advanced farming practices accessible to even the most remote areas.
