Internet of Things

What is IoT and How It Helps Farms and Rural America

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a simple idea with powerful potential: it’s about connecting everyday objects—like sensors, machines, and devices—to the internet so they can collect and share data automatically. In agriculture and rural areas, IoT is transforming how work gets done.

Free LoRaWAN Connectivity for Your Devices

To make IoT even more accessible, R.O. Broadband hosts a LoRaWAN gateway on our network that any farmer or rural resident can use for free. LoRaWAN is a low-power wireless technology perfect for long-range sensors—great for monitoring water levels, air quality, crop conditions, and more.

No monthly fee. No complicated setup. Just simple, open access to help your land and equipment stay smarter, safer, and more efficient.

Smart Farming Made Simple

On modern farms, IoT devices can:

Monitor soil moisture and alert farmers when crops need watering, reducing waste and saving time.
Track livestock with GPS collars, so farmers know where their animals are and if they’re healthy.
Automate irrigation systems, turning them on only when needed based on real-time weather and soil data.
Check equipment performance, sending alerts before something breaks down.

Why It Matters for Rural Ohio

IoT makes farming more efficient, reduces costs, and helps preserve natural resources. For rural communities, it can:

Boost farm productivity
Enable remote monitoring of property and infrastructure
Support precision agriculture for better yields and sustainability
Improve broadband adoption by creating new reasons to stay connected