Nebraska

University of Nebraska scientists and staff are formalizing existing research and outreach in precision agriculture into a strategic initiative called NFarms. The effort, in collaboration with producers and industry, will refine and expand precision agriculture capabilities crucial to boosting farm efficiency and environmental sustainability. NFarms will be a test bed for new technologies, as well as platforms to help farmers better harness data. The initiative also will develop innovative decision-making tools producers can use for efficient field management.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an order awarding 22 grants totaling nearly $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP). Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act the NBBP provides up to $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Megabits per second (up/down) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

Nebraska is both an agricultural state and a state with growing metropolitan areas. Agriculture, in particular, is important to Nebraska’s economy; Nebraska ranks second in the use of precision agriculture technologies. Nebraska ranks 3rd in percent of households with fiber internet available, with 56 percent of households having fiber available. However, Nebraska ranks 30th in the availability of 25/3 Mbps and 100/20 Mbps broadband via copper, cable, fiber or licensed fixed wireless.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) approved nearly $3.5 million in funding for the construction of six cellular towers through the Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) Dedicated Wireless Fund Program. U.S. Cellular Corporation will receive $3,463,850 in grant funding support to build six tower sites near the communities of Beaver Crossing, Beemer, Memphis, Monroe, Naponee, and Nehawka. U.S. Cellular has committed to completing construction of the towers within 24 months of approval of the funding.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved an Order (CPF-2) opening a second round of Capital Projects Fund (CPF) grants to bring broadband to unserved and unserved areas of the state.The new grant cycle will be used to award $24.3 million in remaining CPF funds for projects falling within the 3^rd Congressional District (which encompasses the state's western three-

 Nebraska-based Allo Communications, a competitive provider that serves urban and rural areas, has seen strong growth over the 20 years since its founding. Allo CEO Brad Moline talks about the many rounds of investment the company has received—from his own pocket to private equity. “It’s such a capital-intensive industry that you just go through evolutions of investors,” said Moline. “I just try to run a perpetual business and as investors want to come in, or go out, or invest more, we can look at it and accommodate them,” he added.