Next Gen Ag Technology will require even greater Wireless Capacity
By Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – As Texas Agriculture Commissioner and a lifelong rancher, I've seen firsthand how technology has transformed our farms and revamped the way we do business. Modern producers now use precision agriculture tools to monitor soil conditions, track livestock, optimize irrigation, and manage resources with unprecedented efficiency. To power virtually all of these essential innovations, we need access to Wi-Fi connectivity that depends on unlicensed spectrum.
In 2020, President Trump and his Federal Communications Commission made a forward-thinking decision that has proven invaluable for Texas agriculture. By unanimously opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, the FCC vastly expanded the airwaves available for Wi-Fi and similar technologies.For Texas producers, this additional capacity couldn't have come at a better time.
The economic impact has exceeded all expectations.
In just 2023 and 2024 alone, the economic value of Wi-Fi grew to $870 billion nationwide. By 2027, that figure is projected to reach $1.2 trillion in GDP contribution.
This isn't abstract economic theory – it's real-world growth supporting over 7 million American jobs in 2023 alone.
In just 2023 and 2024 alone, the economic value of Wi-Fi grew to $870 billion nationwide. By 2027, that figure is projected to reach $1.2 trillion in GDP contribution.
This isn't abstract economic theory – it's real-world growth supporting over 7 million American jobs in 2023 alone.
In Texas, this Translates Directly to Ag Innovation
Our producers are deploying wireless sensor networks across thousands of acres to monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and crop health in real-time. Ranchers are using Wi-Fi-enabled tracking systems to monitor herd health and location. Processing facilities are implementing quality control systems that depend on reliable wireless connectivity.
All these applications require substantial wireless capacity – exactly what the 6 GHz expansion provided – and these success stories share a common foundation: they depend on wireless capacity that grew tremendously as a result of the 6 GHz decision.
The additional spectrum has allowed rural broadband providers to deliver faster, more reliable service to remote operations.
It's enabled farms and ranches to deploy more devices across larger areas – and it's supported the data-intensive applications that define modern agriculture.
It's enabled farms and ranches to deploy more devices across larger areas – and it's supported the data-intensive applications that define modern agriculture.
Looking ahead, the next generation of agricultural technology will require even greater wireless capacity.
Autonomous equipment, artificial intelligence applications, and comprehensive digital farm management systems represent the future of competitive agriculture. These technologies will depend on Wi-Fi 7, which has been demonstrated to double or potentially triple the throughput of the current generation of Wi-Fi.However, to reach its full potential, Wi-Fi 7 needs additional spectrum in the 7 GHz band. Without this spectrum, American agricultural producers risk losing their technological edge at precisely the moment when global competition is intensifying and environmental challenges are mounting.
Policymakers should follow President Trump’s lead from 2020, and build on this success by protecting the existing 6 GHz allocation while expanding into portions of the 7 GHz band.
Research shows this approach would generate an additional $79.6 billion in economic value between 2025-2027 alone, and create 1.5 million additional American jobs by 2032.
For Texas agriculture, the economic rationale is clear. Our producers compete in global markets where efficiency and productivity determine success. The technological tools enabled by sufficient unlicensed spectrum directly support our competitive position.
When Texas farmers and ranchers can deploy cutting-edge systems across their operations, they maintain their position as the most productive agricultural producers in the world.
Research shows this approach would generate an additional $79.6 billion in economic value between 2025-2027 alone, and create 1.5 million additional American jobs by 2032.
For Texas agriculture, the economic rationale is clear. Our producers compete in global markets where efficiency and productivity determine success. The technological tools enabled by sufficient unlicensed spectrum directly support our competitive position.
When Texas farmers and ranchers can deploy cutting-edge systems across their operations, they maintain their position as the most productive agricultural producers in the world.
I've spent my career fighting for policies that empower rather than restrict Texas agriculture. The successful approach to spectrum policy that expanded the 6 GHz band is exactly the kind of government decision that creates opportunity without overregulation. By continuing this approach through the protection of existing allocations and thoughtful expansion into the 7 GHz band, we can ensure American agricultural producers remain the most innovative and productive on earth.
As we consider our nation's spectrum strategy, let's remember what's at stake for American agriculture. The right decisions will support continued innovation, enhanced productivity, and sustainable resource management. The wrong decisions could hamstring our producers at a critical moment.
For the sake of Texas agriculture and America's food security, let's choose the path of innovation and growth.
An 8th generation Texas Farmer & Rancher, Sid Miller is the 12th Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Having served in the Texas House of Representatives prior to being elected Ag Commissioner, he has devoted his life to promoting Texas agriculture, rural Texas communities, and the Great State of Texas.
