Microsoft aids global internet access projects

Tribune news service

Microsoft is lending a hand to a dozen companies working to spread affordable Internet access to underserved communities around the world.
The initiative is related to Seattle-based Microsoft’s commitment, announced earlier this year, to donate US$1 billion in services over three years primarily to nonprofits. As part of that effort, Microsoft said it would seed projects to help develop low-cost Internet access.
The recipients of the new grants include a Nigerian broadband company and an Indian startup working on a cloud-computing and Internet hub for classrooms. In all, the money is going to companies in 11 countries. Each is expected to receive a grant of between US$70,000 and US$150,000, along with access to some Microsoft support resources.
“With more than half of the world’s population lacking access to the Internet, connectivity is a global challenge that demands creative problem solving,” Peggy Johnson, Microsoft’s executive vice president of business development, said in a release announcing the group of grants.
Microsoft’s Internet access efforts, seeded with much smaller financial commitments than the sometimes-controversial Internet megaprojects funded by the likes of Facebook and Google, take a different approach than the company’s business rivals.
Paul Garnett, director of Microsoft’s Affordable Access Initiatives, drew a contrast to broader programs, in a blog post. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” he said.
“Local entrepreneurs stand a better chance of understanding local needs, and have the expertise to create new technologies and business models to meet those needs.”