Microsoft and Viasat announce cooperation to bring Internet access to remote regions

Microsoft and Viasat are partnering to bring Internet access to 10 million users in Africa and North and Central America. The move is part of Microsoft's Airband Initiative, which uses old TV spectrum and other technologies to provide Internet access, although this will be the first time a satellite company has participated in the initiative.

According to a press release provided by the company to The Verge, Viasat's partnership will reach 5 million people in Egypt, Senegal, Angola, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as another 5 million people in Guatemala, Mexico and the United States. According to Teresa Hutson, vice president of technology and corporate responsibility at the company, satellite and fixed wireless technology will be used to "reach remote areas that previously had little, if any, opportunity for conventional connectivity."

Of course, satellite internet has its own nuances and is not as stable as cable, for example, but still, having access to the Internet at all will be great news for many places where Microsoft plans to deploy connections.

Source: The Verge