Written by: Alek Hidell
Microsoft has developed a plan to provide free internet service to the entire country of India using the unused spectrum between between TV stations, known as White Space. Microsoft has already received approval to test the program in two districts. If successful, Microsoft hopes to implement the free internet service across the nation.
Everyone Should Have Access To Internet & Knowledge – AnonHQ
In 2010, the FCC made white space, the unused space between VHF and UHF channels available for unlicensed public use. The attraction to white space is in part due to the overcrowding of currently used communication channels. White space not only provides an alternative to the currently used spectrum, it can also be used to provide internet in places that are too remote for standard ISPs. The current range of Wi-Fi is approximately 100 meters or just over 300 feet. Microsoft’s new white space internet would have a broadcast range of over 10 kilometers. It was originally called super-wifi because of it’s ability to broadcast over vast distances and it’s ability to penetrate buildings, trees and other structures that would have previously cause interference.
Currently the white space in India is going unused, much like most of the world. If the project is successful, it would allow for Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s idea of a Digital India to become reality. Modi has a vision of turning India into a modern digital powerhouse. Modi’s idea looks to connect Common Service Centers (CSC), as central hubs from which all of a village’s goods and products can be ordered and picked up. The idea is to create centers of commerce using broadband internet, bringing parts of the country that are currently beyond the reach of internet communications, into the fold. Commerce isn’t the only use for these planned digital centers. One could consult with doctors remotely from any of the medical e-centers. There are also plans to use these centers as education hubs, connecting educators and students around the world. India hopes to have CSCs up by 2019.
Microsoft began testing white space technology in 2011 along with partners BT, Nokia and the BBC. The technology has been in development and is currently available in certain areas. White space technology is one of the best hopes for bringing low cost, reliable broadband internet to the developing world.
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Name one service that will never happen in the U.S.
Democracy
So they get free internet and we don’t?