Microsoft wants to connect rural India

After Facebook’s infamous Free Basics campaign, Microsoft also wants to pitch for Digital India. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on his Hyderabad trip on Monday pointed out the role the company could play in connecting rural India through its White Spaces project. The service will use unused spectrum from television to allow internet services.

"There is a great opportunity in the space and we are willing to help local startups on developing this," said Nadella during his address at T-Hub, the state government-backed technology incubator.

The White Spaces project will deliver low cost connectivity solutions and has been active in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Discussions are on to scale it up as part of the Rs. 333 Crores AP Fibre Grid project for rural broadband connectivity.

Image credit: Indiatimes