The initiative by Microsoft Airband is planning to go international. They have formalized a new goal to include more than 40 million people to their program by the end of July 2022. Launched in 2017, the program hopes to improve internet access in rural areas of the United States and other countries like Latin America and Africa’s Sub-Saharan.
In the area of the United States, the company has been putting to use 600 MHz spectrum from unused TV white space for operating and offering broadband internet access to more than three million people. Outside of the country, Microsoft plans to use TVWS and other innovative technologies while partnering with local governments and organizations in the areas they are offering service to.
They are hoping to get agreements from local governments to remove any technology regulation obstacles. Microsoft is also in talks with ISPs to work and find ways to deliver internet connectivity access to the people.
Microsoft has already been boasting about its success in helping get internet access to people in Colombia. It started as a small project to help get internet access to five farms and two schools using TVWS technology. The company also invested along with local internet service providers to extend more internet access to around six million additional Colombians.
Microsoft did some work in Ghana as well. They worked on a project to deregulate the use of TV white space technology to allow broadband providers to serve more than 800,000 people in the area. For now, the government will only allow one provider to offer access to the residents for internet purposes.
Currently, Microsoft is the only company placing any focus on connecting rural areas around the world with reliable internet services. Google is working on a new project called “Next Billion Users.” It is an initiative that has the goal of getting internet service to more people globally.
Facebook has also joined in the movement as it has explored ideas from adding satellites to using internet drones. The motivation is simple for all three of these companies. To them, every new person who has access to the internet becomes a potential customer.
Microsoft is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s mission is to empower organizations and people everywhere to achieve more than they could ever dream. Their products and services are created to help people reach their goals. Their technology and platforms help to make positive impacts on the people they reach.
