Microsoft and AirJaldi, an innovator and implementer of economically viable internet connectivity solutions for rural areas, signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The program's titled 'Contentful Connectivity' aims to advance access to high-speed internet connectivity in collaboration with private, public, and non-profit sectors and build solutions for broadband adoption and digital transformation, benefitting underserved communities in India's hinterlands.
Over the next three years, the program will see AirJaldi Networks expanding into three new states—Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Odisha—with an increase in network locations from 40 to 62 in 12 states. An addition of 1,500 km of fibre network will help reach out to 20,000 square kilometres. This will provide access to the internet to nearly 500,000 underserved beneficiaries.
AirJaldi, the brand name used by Rural Broadband internet service provider in India since 2009, will also strengthen its presence in nine states by extending the wireless and wired infrastructure and supporting the 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 of services offered and the sustainability of the networks.
The two companies will enhance skilling, education and entrepreneurship training programs by strengthening the courses for women's entrepreneurship and rural connectivity. It will integrate Microsoft modules on digital productivity, employability skills, and artificial intelligence (AI) fluency skills for 15,000 underserved community members, particularly 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 the Microsoft Community Training platform, and a 24/7 learning help desk to provide course support and career guidance.
As part of the collaboration, the companies will 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. It will also develop partnerships with government and corporate organizations for sustenance in three states where the networks are getting created in education, diverse skills for jobs, or women entrepreneurship.
Antony Cook, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft, said, "Partnerships are foundational to the success of Airband. 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 of strategy and operations at AirJaldi Networks, added, "This partnership, a continuation of our 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. 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."
The Microsoft Airband initiative was launched to bring transformative connectivity to underserved communities worldwide. Through this program and its partners, the tech company is attempting to catalyze affordable access to connectivity, explicitly 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, ultimately driving self-empowerment and sustainable development and growth. This can provide 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, connecting provides a path forward to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
