Microsoft awards grants to businesses that are focusing to improve Internet access expansion across the world.
On May 23, Microsoft announced that the company has awarded Affordable Access Initiative grants to 12 businesses. All the businesses will get seed grants from Microsoft as well as resources that includes BizSpark tools such as free software, technology and more. The support from Microsoft is expected to extend hardware, applications, power solution and connectivity reach of these businesses.
Internet access has improved a lot in many parts of the world over the last few years. However, over 50 percent of the population of the world does not have Internet access. Peggy Johnson, the executive VP of business development at Microsoft, says that connectivity is a major challenge in the world, and it requires creative problem solving.
"By using technology that's available now and partnering with local entrepreneurs who understand the needs of their communities, our hope is to create sustainable solutions that will not only have impact today but also in the years to come," says Johnson.
Microsoft suggests that the grant recipients of the Affordable Access Initiative are already working to address technological challenges and demonstrate their ability to sustain in the market. Each recipient will receive between $70,000 and $150,000.
The company also revealed that the latest grants have been given to businesses based in 11 countries including the U.S., United Kingdom, Uganda, Rwanda, Philippines, Nigeria, Malawi, Indonesia, India, Botswana and Argentina.
Axiom Technologies, a recipient of the grant based in Maine, will work toward expanding Internet access in the region. Another recipient AirJaldi, which is based in India, is also working to deliver wireless Internet connectivity in rural parts of India.
Microsoft is not the only Silicon Valley company that is working to improve Internet access worldwide. Facebook is also working to bring cheap Wi-Fi points in rural parts of India. The social media company is already working with AirJaldi in India.
Google also announced Project Loon in June 2013, which aims at providing durable and fast Internet connection in unconnected regions of the world. Project Loon uses high-altitude balloons that are launched from the Earth and placed in the stratosphere for creating an aerial wireless network.
Users have to place an antenna on top of their building to connect to the balloon.
Only time will tell how swiftly companies such as Microsoft, Google, Facebook and more are able to provide Internet access to remote and rural parts of the world.
Photo: Mike Mozart | Flickr
