Microsoft has detailed a plan to close the rural internet access gap in the United States by 2022. As it stands, 34 million Americans don't have access to broadband. That figure includes 39% of citizens living in rural areas. Microsoft wants to put an end to that lack of service.
Part of its plan, which was unveiled by president Brad Smith, involves investing in telecommunications companies and other projects meant to boost coverage. Microsoft will also license its own technology, open up patents and source code for tech that could be helpful, and it'll invest in training efforts so that people can fully benefit from broadband.
Microsoft will be utilizing its TV White Spaces spectrum to improve coverage. That spectrum includes bandwidth opened up by the switch from analog TV to digital broadcasts. It already has 12 projects planned across 12 states. Those will begin within a year.
The best way to cover people in rural areas will be the utilization of multiple technologies. Microsoft believes wireless, fiber, and satellite options should all be used. Those technologies can in many cases reduce costs vs. relying on a single type of technology.
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