Microsoft announced today that it is bolstering its efforts to bring over-the-air broadband internet to underserved communities through a new partnership with RADWIN, a firm with vast experience in delivering wireless broadband access.
Through the partnership, both companies will focus on utilizing TV white space over UHF bands to bring broadband connectivity to rural communities, where terrain or the remoteness of the locations make delivering internet by conventional means difficult.
The move is an expansion of Microsoft's Airband initiative, which is focused on bringing wireless broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the globe. Speaking on the partnership, Paul Garnett, senior director of the Microsoft Airband Initiative, said:
The TV White Space radio ecosystem is rapidly growing, and we are excited to work with RADWIN to bring innovative technologies to market at a global scale. Our partnership with RADWIN, a recognized global leader in fixed wireless broadband access, will help address the rural broadband gap for residents and businesses, enabling farmers, healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders and others to fully participate in the digital economy.
Microsoft last year revealed a goal of eliminating the "rural broadband gap" in the U.S. by 2022 by using unused TV broadcast frequencies. It's an ambitious goal, seeking to cover two million people, but Microsoft is also hoping to spur investment from other companies and the public sector. Further, Microsoft approached the project after gaining experience in leveraging TV white spaces for internet delivery through initiatives in 17 other countries around the globe.
Over-the-air signals aren't the only area where Microsoft is looking at novel solutions for internet connectivity. The company last month announced it had expanded a pilot project to bring quickly deployable and sustainable internet solutions to coastal cities with underwater data centers.
RADWIN and Microsoft plan to introduce TV white space solutions to other partners and the telecommunications industry in the second half of 2019.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Review: Empire of Sin combines genres to let you take over 1920s Chicago
Empire of Sin, the wildly ambitious gangster simulator from Romero Games, combines aspects of Civilization, XCOM, and a Tycoon game to let you take over 1920s Chicago. All those disparate pieces work together surprisingly well for a flavorful and complex test of strategy.
Review: Pistol Whip 2089 VR is an awesome and exciting experience
It's the age-old tale of man versus machine in Pistol Whip 2089, a free update to the immensely popular VR rhythm shooter that adds in brand new weapons, enemies, music, and a story mode complete with boss fights.
Best Microsoft Surface Cyber Monday Deals: Surface Pro 7 down to $600
Microsoft's Surface lineup has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Whether you're looking for the newest Surface Pro X or Pro 7 or are willing to settle for a previous generation at an even more discounted price, we've got all the best deals you're going to find around the 'net right here.
Zac Bowden's personal Cyber Monday deal recommendations
Looking for good deals on Microsoft Surface and Xbox products this Cyber Monday? We've got you covered. This is our collection of some of the best deals you can find today!