Microsoft’s project that is expected to commence in the Latin Ameria and Africa region is expected to benefit millions out of the billions of people that are currently lacking access to the internet across the globe
In recent research, it was discovered that at least half of the world’s population is connected to the internet, however, it is an otherwise scenario for the other-half (numbering up to billion) who are currently lacking the same access. While the reason for the lack of access to the internet in various locations often varies, a majority is a result of illiteracy, while in other cases, it is basically a result of poor governance, and poverty rate.
While the lack of access to the internet may pose a major concern in the wake of modernization, it is only important to expect more from the government of the respective countries with a similar issue to do well to ensure its availability, however, giving that it is not solely the government duty but rather a collective effort of everyone who has the resources at their disposal. As a result, Microsoft has reportedly designed a program that will connect 40 million people across the world to the internet by 2022.
Namely Microsoft’s 2017 Airband Initiative- the software giant’s streamlined efforts to build out internet access across the US. Now, in the same manner, the company wants to extend the initiative, or better still apply that method to work across Africa, Latin America and Asia, providing at least 40 million people with internet connectivity ahead of 2022, about three years away from now.
In order to achieve its plan, Microsoft wants to employ a four-part approach that will focus on working with local ISPs and communities to build out affordable and reliable internet access. Additionally, the software giant is also pushing to respective regulators for access to TV White Space (TVWS), which are wireless frequencies that can be repurposed to deliver internet access across a wide area.
While discussing the plan in a blog post, the company’s head of technology and corporate responsibility, Shelly McKinley told that; “A wireless technology or a business model that is suitable for connecting customers in one location might not be suitable for connecting customers in another location,”. “Our experience has shown us that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to close the connectivity gap,” Shelly added.
Also, in line with the company’s activities in the US, Microsoft’s main target is the rural areas, where such facilities are often not a thing.