Microsoft is set to work with the Andhra Pradesh government on White Spaces, a pilot project to bring low-cost internet connectivity to the masses. The initiative is a first for India and will kick off in the Srikakulam district, with ZP high school at Voppangi as its base station and three other receivers in Singupuram, Fareedapeta and Sativada located within 10km of it.
The white spaces technology utilizes unused TV spectrum by allotting them for broadband. It does this without affecting TV broadcasting while enabling cheap data connectivity to reach remote areas. The project uses the 200 – 300MHz band which allows for coverage up to 10km, in contrast with Wi-Fi networks that extend up to only 100m.
It thus provides widespread availability and inexpensive license-free access. Bhaskar Pramanik, chairman of Microsoft India, said the project could be the cost-effective answer to last-mile connectivity challenges and may even be used during emergencies such as natural disasters. He went on to explain that such technologies would further serve to support the government’s Digital India vision.
As per PTI, the company had already tested similar programs in Namibia, Ghana, Tanzania, Singapore, South Africa and Botswana. The current initiative is the result of collaboration between Microsoft, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY), and the Education and Research Network (ERNET).
Also See: Microsoft to use ‘white space’ spectrum to bring free Internet to India
The scheme was discussed during a meeting involving Microsoft India personnel and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The executives also presented a cloud-based machine learning solution the brand had designed with the Department of Primary Education. It’s supposed to help calculate dropout rates and reduce the occurrence by ensuring necessary interventions take place.
The solution is currently being put into practice in Chittoor under the Badi Palustondi (School Is Calling) primary education scheme. According to Anil Bhansali, Managing Director at Microsoft India, the digital aid has the potential to transform the skilled workforce in India.