Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks strengthen collaboration
Microsoft and AirJaldi, a leading innovator and implementer of
technically and economically viable internet connectivity solutions for rural
areas, signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Titled
‘Contentful Connectivity’, the program aims to advance access to high-speed
internet and meaningful connectivity as a fundamental right in collaboration
with private, public, non-profit sectors and build solutions for broadband
adoption and digital transformation, benefitting underserved communities in
rural regions of India.
Over the next three years, the program will:
· Expand AirJaldi Networks into three new states namely, Telangana,
Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, with an increase in the number of network locations
from 40 to 62 in 12 states. An addition of 1,500 km of fiber network will help
reach out to 20,000 km2 and thereby provide access to the internet to nearly
500,000 underserved beneficiaries
· Strengthen AirJaldi Networks in nine states by extending the wireless
and wired infrastructure and supporting extension of reach and connectivity
provision for underserved users. AirJaldi Networks will deploy, implement, and
test new connectivity technologies, approaches, and connectivity-related
solutions to improve the quality and richness of services offered and
sustainability of the networks
· Enhance skilling, education and entrepreneurship training programs by
strengthening the courses for women entrepreneurship and rural connectivity and
integrating Microsoft modules on digital productivity, employability skills,
and AI fluency skills for 15,000 underserved community members, in particular
women, youth and high school children in 12 states. These network-led training
programs would be based on a multi-faceted training approach combining
face-to-face training, online sessions and online Learning Management System
(LMS) courses delivered through Microsoft Community Training platform, as well
as a 24/7 learning help desk to provide course support and career guidance
· Build Internet of Things (IoT) based connectivity-related solutions in
the rural regions on networking, e-learning, skilling, telemedicine,
agriculture, accessibility, and environment to transform livelihoods and
well-being of enterprises and communities
· Build partnerships with government and corporate organizations for
sustenance in three states where the networks are getting created in the areas
of education, diverse skills for jobs, or women entrepreneurship
Antony Cook, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel,
Microsoft, said, “We believe access to the internet should be available to
everyone and that digital skills create and enable economic prosperity for
people, businesses and governments. Partnerships are foundational to the
success of Airband and, by working with AirJaldi Networks, we will extend
internet access to 500,000 beneficiaries in underserved communities in rural
India. Beyond solving for internet access to help the country’s digital
capabilities continue to grow, Microsoft expects that this expanded access to
the internet will also help these beneficiaries to enhance their digital
productivity, AI and employability skills.”
Michael Ginguld, Director Strategy and Operations, AirJaldi Networks,
said, “I am delighted and excited to sign this MoU with Microsoft India. This
partnership, which is a continuation of our fruitful work with Microsoft since
2016, is a significant step forward in achieving our joint goals of providing
wide-ranging, meaningful and impactful connectivity across India. I believe
that the combination of connectivity, digital tools and digital skills are
essential building-blocks in ensuring the central role of internet connectivity
in improving people’s lives. We at AirJaldi are thankful for being able to be
part of this process.”
The Microsoft Airband initiative was launched
to bring transformative connectivity to underserved communities around the
world. Through the Airband initiative and its partners, Microsoft is serving as
a catalyst to enable affordable access to connectivity, specifically focusing
on regions with lower digital connectivity rates. Partnering with Microsoft’s
Airband Initiative, organizations like AirJaldi Networks have additional
support to create the infrastructure needed to provide connectivity support in
many different ecosystems that ultimately drives self-empowerment and
sustainable development and growth. These partnerships are essential in
providing local expertise and experience to help achieve a greater goal tied to
what can be harnessed with the support of connectivity. As technology, like AI,
advances, being connected provides a path forward to empower every person and
every organization on the planet to achieve more.
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