Microsoft backs white spaces trial in Tanzania

News Broadband Tanzania, United Republic of 8 MEI 2013
Microsoft backs white spaces trial in Tanzania
Microsoft has announced a TV white spaces pilot project in collaboration with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) and UhuruOne to provide affordable wireless broadband access to university students and faculty in Dar es Salaam. The collaboration will enable local ISP UhuruOne to offer Windows 8 devices and service packages to universities in Dar es Salaam as well. The pilot's initial deployment will target the University of Dar es Salaam, among others. The integrated packages will include a Windows 8 laptop or tablet, wireless broadband connectivity, and applications and services. The partners are working with banks to offer small loans to cover the cost of the packages. In addition, the pilot will hire a team of students as on-campus support staff for the network infrastructure. These students will learn technical skills and gain qualifications for pursuing IT-related careers. The Tanzania pilot follows a similar project Microsoft launched in Kenya in February which uses white spaces and solar power to deliver low-cost wireless broadband to rural locations. These pilot projects are part of the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative.

Categories:

Internet,  Wireless

Companies:

Microsoft

Countries:

Tanzania, United Republic of

Tags:

Launch, Product specifications & quality, Cooperations & alliances, Consumer devices, Internet Access, Pricing, Corporate social responsibility

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