Monday Microsoft revealed their ambitious 5-year plan in which they will use technology found in the white spectrum of televisions to create cheap broadband internet access for at least 2 million consumers, with the total cost of this project being between 8 and 12 billion of dollars.
The goal is to bridge the gap between urban and rural technology in American communities. The spectrum is currently a portion that is not in use within the 600 MHz range for television bands, which allows signals to travel over hills and through buildings and trees to reach rural areas.
Microsoft has developed 20 projects related to this topic in 17 countries around the world including Colombia, Kenya and Jamaica, providing access to a grand total of 185,000 people.
Microsoft President Brad Smith I explained the plan in great detail in Washington DC, which was sponsored by the “Media Institute”.
34 million Americans do not have access to broadband, I point out, and yet 23 million still live in rural areas, progress for broadband penetration in the country has stalled.
"This is not just about watch YouTube videos using a Tablet, as enjoyable as this may sound, ”Smith told all audiences at this conference. It's about education. It's about health care. It's about farming and growing a small business. It is a vital part of the day to day of modern life.
"The future of Microsoft lies in different areas," said the site TechNewsWorld. “Obviously they see this as something important to their business. This will be seen in what results in the future of Microsoft ”.