Microsoft, AirJaldi Networks Sign MoU To Provide Internet For Underserved Communities In 12 States

Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks on Wednesday said they will collaborate to provide internet access for underserved communities in 12 states of India, marking a major boost to India’s potential USD 1 trillion internet economy by 2030.

The companies reported signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘Contentful Connectivity’.

Under the MoU, the companies will look to advance access to high-speed internet and meaningful connectivity as a fundamental right in collaboration with private, public non-profit sectors. It is further underlined in the MoU that they will build solutions for broadband adoption and digital transformation that will, in turn, benefit the underserved communities in rural regions of India.

Over the next three years, the collaboration’s key focus will be expanding AirJaldi Networks into three new states namely, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with an increase in the number of network locations from 40 to 62 in 12 states.

It will also focus on strengthening AirJaldi presence in nine states by extending the wireless and wired infrastructure and reaching connectivity provision for underserved users.

Commenting on the collaboration Antony Cook, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Microsoft, said, “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 5,00,000 beneficiaries in underserved communities in rural India”.

In a statement, Michael Ginguld, Director Strategy and Operations, AirJaldi Networks, said, “I am delighted and excited to sign this MoU with Microsoft India. This partnership, which is a continuation of our fruitful 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”.