Now is the time to secure half-price digital farming technology with Pivotel
With the recent announcement of the Federal Government’s On Farm Connectivity program, there has never been a better time for primary producers to team up with leading telecommunications provider Pivotel to bridge the digital divide for on-farm operations.
A report by the Productivity Commission (PC) reveals that unsuitable internet speeds and geographic location are the biggest barriers to adopting new technologies for agriculture businesses.1 The On Farm Connectivity Program provides Australian producers with rebates of up to $30,000 to support better connected, more efficient, and safer agriculture enterprises through the adoption of a range of technologies tailored to meet the growing digital needs of the agricultural industry.
Applications are now open, with those who have been considering making connectivity improvements to their operations encouraged to contact the Pivotel team to explore fit-for-purpose solutions. The program’s rebates will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis in order of application receipt, until the $15 million of funding has been exhausted.
Pivotel CEO Peter Bolger said Pivotel will help guide customers through the application process, to make it as easy as possible.
“Our goal is to make agricultural enterprises better connected, safer and more efficient,” said Mr Bolger
“We will provide primary producers with the support required to access the Government rebate, and because we understand how significant this kind of investment can be, we will ensure there are no large outlays before you know if you are eligible to access funding under the program.
“Whether that means connecting people, assets, homesteads, buildings, applications, specific sites or entire properties, or increasing safety and on-farm productivity, we can help, regardless of where the operations are located.”
Pivotel is the program’s only licensed Australian mobile carrier, and with a focus on rural, remote and regional communication services, offers a suite of products that will satisfy a range of uses across the industry.
Stephen Dummett, the Innovation and Future Skills Manager for the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise has worked with Pivotel to help solve industry challenges. Mr Dummett believes there are multiple benefits for the sector to improve connectivity on properties.
“The whole purpose for this program is to increase productivity as farmers look to operate with more precision, efficiency, and sustainability, but at the same time increase safety,” said Mr Dummett.
“Connectivity in Australian agriculture is a lifeline that transforms isolated farms into networked communities, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the seamless integration of cutting-edge AgTech solutions. Bringing in this technology not only helps with day-to-day operations but also means we don’t have to put people’s lives in danger.
“Having happy staff is also important, especially in some of these remote communities, and that can be something as simple as having Netflix available or having the ability to call home or family from a remote location.”
Applications for the On Farm Connectivity program close on the 31st of May 2024, or when the funding is exhausted.
Media Contact:
Kieran Blakemore
Marketing & Communications Manager - ANZ
Ph: 0480 072 669
1The Productivity Commission, ‘5-year Productivity Inquiry: Australia’s data and digital dividend’, 7 February 2023
About Pivotel:
We support more than 100,000 Australian and New Zealand users who travel or operate outside of mobile phone coverage.
Since 2003, Pivotel has been the only licenced mobile carrier in Australia focused on critical communication services, providing you with reliable and secure satellite and cellular communication solutions that keep you connected everywhere.
