FCC Plans Threaten Precision Farming's GPS

Proposed use of GPS spectrum bandwidth could damage no-till farming practices.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:54am

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy colors depicting the complex interplay of geometric shapes and botanical spirals, representing the intricate systems of precision agriculture technology.The FCC's proposed use of the GPS spectrum bandwidth could disrupt the precision farming tools that no-till farmers rely on to maximize yields and efficiency.Maple Park Today

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has plans to use the bandwidth next to the GPS spectrum, which could seriously damage the practices of precision agriculture used by no-till farmers. This move threatens the GPS technology that no-tillers rely on for yield-boosting precision farming techniques.

Why it matters

Precision farming techniques using GPS have become essential for no-till farmers to maximize yields and efficiency. Any disruption to the GPS spectrum could undermine the investments no-tillers have made in precision agriculture tools and technology.

The details

The FCC's proposed use of the GPS spectrum bandwidth could interfere with the GPS signals that no-till farmers use for precision farming practices like variable rate application of inputs, grid soil sampling, and GPS-guided equipment. This could degrade the accuracy and reliability of these precision agriculture tools, which no-tillers have come to rely on to boost yields and reduce costs.

  • The FCC announced its plans for the GPS spectrum in April 2026.

The players

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

Jack Maloney

A no-till farmer who has seen improved soil permeability and reduced surface hardening by applying gypsum to his fields.

Brian Watkins

A no-tiller who has found success in precision agriculture using global positioning system (GPS) technology.

Matthew Sullivan

A no-till expert who cautions that returns from variable rate technology may not be as immediate as using GPS equipment to boost yields.

Darian Landolt

A researcher at CNH Global's Product Management Innovation Group who believes no-tillers will need to find sustainable ways to increase productivity while conserving resources.

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What they’re saying

“To feed future generations, no-tillers will need to find new ways to increase productivity while conserving current and future resources.”

— Darian Landolt, Researcher, CNH Global's Product Management Innovation Group

What’s next

The FCC will make a final decision on the proposed use of the GPS spectrum in the coming months, which could have major implications for the future of precision farming techniques used by no-till farmers.

The takeaway

This FCC proposal threatens to undermine the precision farming tools and techniques that no-till farmers have come to rely on to maximize yields and efficiency. No-tillers will need to closely monitor this issue and advocate for the protection of the GPS spectrum to safeguard their investments in precision agriculture.