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Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at bridging the digital divide and providing internet access to underserved communities in India. The partnership, outlined in a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘Contentful Connectivity,’ is set to make a significant contribution to India’s ambitious goal of reaching a USD 1 trillion internet economy by 2030.

The collaboration between Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks will focus on advancing high-speed internet access and meaningful connectivity as a fundamental right, with the involvement of private, public, and non-profit sectors. The MoU emphasizes the joint efforts to develop solutions for broadband adoption and digital transformation, specifically targeting rural regions of India that currently lack adequate connectivity.

Over the next three years, the collaboration will prioritize expanding AirJaldi Networks’ operations into three additional states, namely Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. This expansion will result in an increased number of network locations, going from 40 to 62, across a total of 12 states. Furthermore, efforts will be made to strengthen AirJaldi’s presence in nine states by enhancing both wireless and wired infrastructure, thereby extending connectivity provision to underserved users.

Antony Cook, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Microsoft, expressed his belief in universal internet access and the role of digital skills in driving economic prosperity. Cook stated, “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.”

Michael Ginguld, Director of Strategy and Operations at AirJaldi Networks, also expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, which builds upon their successful partnership with Microsoft since 2016. Ginguld said, “I am delighted and excited to sign this MoU with Microsoft India. This partnership…is a significant step forward in achieving our joint goals of providing wide-ranging, meaningful, and impactful connectivity across India.”

With this collaborative initiative, Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks aim to empower underserved communities, foster digital inclusion, and contribute to the growth of India’s internet economy, ultimately creating new opportunities and driving socioeconomic progress in the region.

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