On February 4th, 2013, Microsoft Corp. announced that it has partnered with Kenya's Ministry of Information and Communications and Indigo Telecom Ltd. to launch a pilot project delivering low-cost wireless broadband access to locations near Nanyuki and Kalema, Kenya.

The partnership plans to utilize TV white spaces and solar-photovoltaic (PV) powered base stations to deliver broadband access and create new opportunities for commerce, education, healthcare and delivery of government services.

The project is part of Microsoft's broader 4Afrika Initiative to help improve the continent's global competitiveness. A core goal of the 4Afrika Initiative is to facilitate access to technology for the masses and to empower African students, entrepreneurs, developers and others to become active global citizens.

The installation in Kalema will begin with a base station that connects to a government of Kenya agricultural extension office. Also, 14 more locations on the network will be added in the coming months. The network will also feature white space radios manufactured by Adaptrum.

"Microsoft was built on the idea that technology should be accessible and affordable to the masses, and to date, this promise has remained unfulfilled in Africa. This technology has the potential to deliver on the promise of universal and affordable high-speed wireless broadband for Africa, and we are proud and humbled to be part of this important effort," stated Louis Otieno, legal and corporate affairs director for Africa initiatives at Microsoft.

2013-02-08 | Courtesy: Microsoft | solarserver.com © Heindl Server GmbH

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