Microsoft and AirJaldi ink MoU to enable internet availability for underserved communities in rural India

Microsoft and AirJaldi have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide internet access to underserved communities in rural India.

The program, titled 'Contentful Connectivity,' is aimed at advancing access to high-speed internet and meaningful connectivity as a fundamental right for underserved communities. The collaboration will involve the private, public, and non-profit sectors, working together to build solutions for broadband adoption and digital transformation, Microsoft said in a press release on Tuesday.

Over the next three years, the partnership will expand AirJaldi Networks into three new states - Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha - increasing the number of network locations from 40 to 62 across a total of 12 Indian states. By adding 1,500 km of fiber network, the program aims to provide internet access to nearly 500,000 underserved beneficiaries, covering an area of 20,000 sq. km.

Furthermore, the collaboration will focus on strengthening AirJaldi Networks in nine existing states by extending wireless and wired infrastructure. AirJaldi Networks will also deploy and test new connectivity technologies, approaches, and solutions to enhance the quality and sustainability of the networks.

The program will also enhance skilling, education, and entrepreneurship training programs by integrating Microsoft modules on digital productivity, employability skills, and AI fluency skills. The initiative aims to benefit 15,000 underserved community members, with a particular focus on women, youth, and high school children in the 12 participating states. The training programs will adopt a multi-faceted approach, combining face-to-face training, online sessions, and courses delivered through the Microsoft Community Training platform. Additionally, a 24/7 learning help desk will also be available to provide course support and career guidance.

The program will also focus on developing IoT-based connectivity solutions in rural regions, which will cover various sectors such as e-learning, skilling, telemedicine, agriculture, accessibility, and the environment.

Lastly, for the sustenance of the networks in the three states, Microsoft and AirJaldi aim to establish partnerships with government and corporate organizations, with a focus on education, diverse skills for jobs, and women entrepreneurship.

"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," said Antony Cook, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Microsoft.