Olds College researchers are working alongside TELUS Agriculture to improve cellular service in rural Alberta in order to utilize smart ag technologies. Inconsistent commercial 3G/4G and LTE cellular connectivity prevents the full scale implementation of applied research projects on the Smart Farm and the effective use of sensors, smart ag technologies, and autonomous/smart farming equipment across Alberta.
The goals of this work are to: (1) provide stable data connectivity in regions with limited cellular connectivity; (2) test the effectiveness of mobile communications equipment to provide a reliable private LTE network connected via the internet; and (3) evaluate equipment durability under Western Canadian weather environments (specifically Alberta winters). A reliable cellular data connection ensures producers can implement the optimal use of smart ag equipment and technologies, and exchange data in real time for making on-farm strategic decisions.
Funders/Partners: TELUS Agriculture