Viasat is the leading provider of satellite broadband services, with a global network of satellites that can deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote locations. According to a press release from Microsoft, the partnership will bring internet access to 5 million people in Egypt, Senegal, Angola, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as another 5 million people in Guatemala, Mexico, and the US. Together, Microsoft and Viasat will use a combination of TV white space technology and Viasat’s satellite broadband service to bring internet access to people who currently cannot connect to the internet. This will not only improve the lives of individuals and families but also help drive economic growth and development in these areas. “Through our Airband Initiative, we will extend high-speed internet access to 100 million people on the continent of Africa and a quarter of a billion people living in unserved and underserved areas across the world by 2025,” said Teresa Hutson, Microsoft’s vice president of Technology and Corporate Responsibility.
Microsoft’s Airband initiative
In today’s digital age, access to the internet is essential for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Microsoft’s Airband project is a major initiative aimed at bringing internet access to rural and underserved communities around the world. The Airband project uses a combination of technologies to deliver internet access to these communities, including TV white spaces (TVWS), which utilizes unused TV frequencies to transmit internet signals, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which can provide broadband internet access to even the most remote areas. In addition to providing internet access, Microsoft is also working with partners to provide training and support to communities on how to use the internet and take advantage of its benefits. This includes providing access to education and healthcare resources, as well as supporting the development of local businesses.
