Modernizing a Private 5G CORS Network
Step 1: Revolutionizing Nebraska Agriculture—Modernizing a Private 5G CORS Network
On January 22, 2024, the Nebraska Soybean Association passed a resolution that “supports modernizing the Nebraska CORS reference station network which would allow Nebraska farmers free access to State run RTK networks.”
That resolution supports the initiative to develop a modern Nebraska CORS Network, aiming to add operational efficiencies in the state’s agricultural sector. This modernization is poised to transform precision farming in Nebraska by providing farmers with free access to Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning data, aligning the state economic development objectives for its majority business sector with the benefits observed in neighboring agricultural states like Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri who already have CORS networks.
Current Challenges
Nebraska’s agriculture community is now burdened by the high costs associated with subscription fees for RTK Correction Services. This scenario not only places a burden on farmers but these subscription services are not made reliably accessible to farmers across the state due to wireless cellular connectivity issues which adds to these burdens. Schools, fire departments and any other public entity could use this public network.
Proposed Solution
This briefing advocates for the transition to a public GNSS Reference Station Network (Private 5G CORS), leveraging existing infrastructure while addressing technical, organizational, and operational considerations. This approach is supported by comparative analysis with other agricultural states, where farmers benefit from free access to state-run RTK Networks.
Community Engagement and Support
There is strong support within the agricultural community for a free RTK service model. Engaging with commodity groups and addressing concerns about the current subscription-based model is crucial for moving forward.
Comparative Analysis and Best Practices
A detailed examination of RTK Network models in states like Indiana and Iowa will be made available upon request which offers valuable insights into successful practices that Nebraska could adapt. This includes understanding organizational structures and exploring legislative or regulatory pathways to support state operated CORS network establishment.
Economic and Operational Benefits
Modernizing the CORS Network is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Nebraska’s agricultural sector, including increased efficiency, improved crop yields, and enhanced competitiveness. The initiative also promises sustainability and long-term operational improvements for precision farming.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The proposal concludes with a call to action for Nebraska to create a modern CORS Network using Private 5G, highlighting the need for engagement with state legislators, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and the NE agricultural community. A roadmap for advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies is outlined to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative initiative.
This summary encapsulates the core objectives, challenges, and strategic directions of the proposal to create a modern Nebraska Private 5G CORS Network. It underscores the potential benefits of such an initiative for Nebraska’s agricultural sector and outlines the steps needed to realize this vision.
