John Deere Wins FCC CBRS Auction to Deploy 5G in Manufacturing Facilities

Rhea-AI Summary

John Deere (NYSE: DE) has acquired 5G licenses in five counties in Iowa and Illinois, enhancing its manufacturing facilities' connectivity. This move is part of the FCC auction for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service spectrum and will accelerate the deployment of 5G technology across North America. With 5G, John Deere aims to upgrade its Smart Industrial strategy, facilitating smart manufacturing, IoT, and real-time data applications. The rollout is anticipated during fiscal year 2022, particularly in Rock Island, Scott County, Dubuque, Polk County, and Black Hawk County.

Positive

• Acquisition of 5G licenses will enhance manufacturing facility connectivity.
• Expected to improve operational efficiency through the implementation of IoT and edge computing.
• Supports John Deere's Smart Industrial strategy for advanced manufacturing.

Negative

• None.

Advanced connectivity enables Deere to fully embrace the IoT and revolutionize productivity in factory settings

MOLINE, Ill., Nov. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- John Deere (NYSE: DE) has successfully obtained 5G licenses in five counties in Iowa and Illinois as part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) 3.5 GHz spectrum. This will enable John Deere to accelerate the availability of 5G in its largest manufacturing facilities in North America.

Rural counties are often left behind in the race to implement broadband – even though is necessary to process large quantities of data and enable advances in smart manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other breakthrough technologies in these areas.  By obtaining these licenses, John Deere will boost its wireless networks by providing access to 5G in its manufacturing facilities.

"John Deere has always focused on how to empower customers to do more with less by using technology, and our focus on tech goes way beyond the fields. It impacts everything single aspect of our business, and we're constantly looking at ways to improve our own efficiencies and outcomes with it," said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer. "Implementing 5G in our manufacturing facilities allows John Deere to make significant progress in our Smart Industrial strategy by turning factories into smart and connected manufacturing facilities – a critical piece of the industrial IoT."

John Deere's manufacturing facilities are extraordinarily complex environments that rely on automation and connectivity. With miles of embedded Ethernet cables connecting Wi-Fi drop points currently in factory ceilings, the facilities are faced with limited flexibility for set up and upgrades. 5G enables private LTE networks and will allow John Deere to design a more flexible, nimble and connected facility, creating opportunity for further advancement and greater efficiency that will transform the manufacturing process.

Private 5G LTE also creates the opportunity to expand factory capabilities leveraging edge computing, analytics, and autonomous devices, and empowers a larger set of smart applications like real-time location systems, asset tracking, inventory management, wearables, building automation, and robotics for operational cost savings. 

John Deere will implement 5G at its manufacturing facilities in the following counties: Rock Island, Illinois; Scott County, Iowa; Dubuque, Iowa; Polk County, Iowa; Black Hawk County, Iowa. The rollout is set to occur during fiscal year 2022.

About John Deere 
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a world leader in providing advanced products, technology and services for customers whose work is revolutionizing agriculture and construction - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure.

 

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SOURCE Deere & Company

FAQ

What is the significance of Deere's 5G license acquisition in Iowa and Illinois?

Deere's acquisition of 5G licenses will enhance connectivity in its manufacturing facilities, supporting advanced technologies like IoT and smart manufacturing.

When will John Deere deploy 5G in its manufacturing facilities?

The rollout of 5G in John Deere's manufacturing facilities is anticipated during fiscal year 2022.

Which counties will benefit from John Deere's 5G implementation?

The counties benefiting from Deere's 5G implementation include Rock Island, Scott County, Dubuque, Polk County, and Black Hawk County.

How will 5G technology impact John Deere's manufacturing process?

5G technology will allow for increased flexibility, efficiency, and the integration of advanced applications such as asset tracking and robotics in the manufacturing process.

What company strategy is supported by the rollout of 5G at Deere?

The rollout of 5G supports John Deere's Smart Industrial strategy, aiming to turn its factories into smart, connected environments.