Microsoft provides grants to accelerate delivery of affordable internet access

Each company will receive seed grants, and resources including BizSpark tools such as free software, services and technology support to help extend the reach of their hardware, applications, connectivity and power solutions.

Here in India, the grant received by AirJaldi and Zaya Learning Labs will enable them to use the resources to address rural connectivity and make world class education accessible by investing in Machine learning and offer more personalized learning solutions to students, respectively.

Michael Ginguld, Director of Strategy and Operations, AirJaldi said, “We are proud to be part of Microsoft’s Affordable Access Initiative. We’ll use the grant to build a network in rural Maharashtra proving hybrid TVWS/WiFi networks’ ability to overcome obstacles to connectivity. We’ll enable telemedicine, education, finance and nature preservation applications, all becoming an integral part of a commercially viable network."

Neil Dsouza, CEO & Founder, Zaya Learning Labs added, "Microsoft’s partnership will help us improve and scale up our ClassCloud product which will make world class education accessible and affordable to millions of students. Beyond the financial support, we will be able to use some of the Cloud Services offered to us to invest in Machine learning and offer more personalized learning solutions to students who don’t have the opportunity to learn from a great teacher."

Today’s news marks progress on the commitments Microsoft made earlier this year to invest $1 billion to bring the power of cloud technology to serve the public good, including through expanding the availability of affordable broadband services, new commercial partnerships and expanded philanthropic programs.

“With more than half of the world’s population lacking access to the Internet, connectivity is a global challenge that demands creative problem solving,” said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of business development at Microsoft. “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.”