Microsoft to work with Andhra Pradesh government on 'White Spaces' internet project

Global technology giant Microsoft will be working with the Andhra Pradesh government on a pilot project called the ‘White Spaces’ in Srikakulam, a technology that uses unused television spectrum to deliver low cost Internet connectivity. It is for the first time that this kind of a technology is being implemented in India, according to an official release. “Highlighting the potential of TV White Spaces, the chief minister (N Chandrababu Naidu) said that the project will help in the last-mile connectivity. “Wi-Fi has a range of only about 100 metres, whereas the 200-300MHz spectrum band available in the white space can reach up to 10 kms,” the release said. The company has already conducted this project on pilot basis in countries such as Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Singapore, among others, it added. Anil Bhansali, Managing Director (R&D), Microsoft India and Prashant Shukla, national technology officer and other executives called on CM N Chandrababu Naidu in this regard. Microsoft has also presented the cloud-based Machine Learning solution that they have built in collaboration with the Department of Primary Education to help predict student drop-outs. This technology has helped make required interventions in bringing down the drop-out rates in schools, the release further said. PTI