Microsoft and the AP govt are about to collaborate for low-cost internet connectivity. Technology that utilizes unused television spectrum will now be used to deliver low-cost internet connectivity as Technology behemoth Microsoft has agreed to work with Andhra Pradesh Government on TV White Spaces Project.
Microsoft And AP Govt To Work Together For Low-Cost Net Connectivity :
This unique project is the first of its kind in the country which is under implementation and the Andhra Pradesh’s government has taken up Srikakulam district on a pilot basis. Post successful implementation of this project this will be gradually implemented in a phase-wise manner across the state.
To discuss this initiative Prashant Shukla, national technology officer, and Anil Bhansali, MD, Microsoft India R&D met with chief minister Chandrababu Naidu to discuss the initiative on Friday.
Four educational institutions which had no internet connectivity earlier has been chosen by Microsoft, the department of telecom (DOT), department of electronics and IT (DEITY), and Education and Research Network (ERNET) to provide low-cost broadband internet connectivity.
With Zilla Parishad High School as a base station at Voppangi, the other three campuses were at a distance of 10 km or more from the base station where the receivers were located. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “Microsoft has shown that innovation and technology can make a society technologically advanced, eventually creating a knowledge-based economy”.
Without affecting the TV transmissions the technology would dynamically allocate unused bands for broadband transmission. It would provide wide coverage and cheap license-free access. Coverage under the 200-300 Mhz spectrum available in white space could reach up to 10 km, whereas the Wi-Fi network covers a range of up to 100 meters.
they believe it can be an affordable answer to last-mile connectivity challenges in India. It can also be used during emergency or disaster scenarios,” said Bhaskar Pramanik, chairman, Microsoft India. Microsoft has already run this on a pilot basis in Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Singapore.