Microsoft launched the Microsoft Airband Initiative project. Company plans to help 2 million users in remote areas of the United States use the network by 2022. This year, the giant has also established cooperation with several companies such as Watch Communication and Nextlink Internet to promote this project.
Earlier this year, Microsoft announced that the high-speed network plan will increase the number of people from 2 million to 3 million. It will take a bigger step for the Airband program. At today’s Devex Conference on International Finance, Microsoft announced that the program will be rolled out outside the United States. The company’s goal is to provide Internet services to 40 million people worldwide by 2022.
These regions include Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Microsoft has used the vacancy in the TV band to promote the Internet in the above regions.
Microsoft believes that to fill the gaps in communications, the complementary technology and business model will be the key. The Airband International project consists of four steps:
- Remove regulatory barriers to TV white space and other technologies to help corporate partners promote services faster in remote locations.
- Work with local Internet service providers to provide more affordable and reliable Internet services.
- Digitize remote areas and focus on supporting agriculture, education, telemedicine and local entrepreneurship, while building energy supply networks to increase local productivity and living standards.
- Establish greater ecosystem support, stimulate international finance, and further expand communications projects based on company investments.
In addition, Microsoft is working hard to provide long-term Internet projects for countries such as Colombia and Ghana. It believes that although this goal is far away, other companies, governments, and international organizations will help them achieve it.