Microsoft and Tarana have announced a partnership to increase Internet access in rural and underserved areas across Africa.
Tarana, the developer of next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology, will work through Microsoft’s Airband Initiative to provide affordable broadband Internet to African communities.
Tackling Connectivity Barriers with Innovation
Access to secure and reasonably priced telecom equipment remains a significant barrier to Internet connectivity across the continent.
The two companies aim to address this challenge by working together. Tarana’s ngFWA platform stands out for merging wireless technology with fiber-like performance, offering a practical solution for areas lacking digital infrastructure.
A Game-Changer for Hard-to-Reach Areas
This technology is capable of delivering Internet even in non-line-of-sight conditions and areas with heavy radio interference, making it ideal for remote or hard-to-reach regions.
Thanks to the collaboration with Microsoft, the cost of ngFWA equipment for African Internet service providers will be reduced, and the deployment process will become easier and more efficient.
Microsoft’s Vision: Connecting Millions
In late 2022, Microsoft announced plans to expand its Airband Initiative with a goal of providing Internet access to 100 million people in Africa by the end of 2025.
This target is part of a broader vision to connect 250 million people globally by that same deadline.
Strategic Growth Through Local Partnerships
In May 2023, Microsoft unveiled new partnerships that would deliver Internet access to 40 million people across Latin America and Africa.
These partnerships included countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. With this latest agreement between Microsoft and Tarana, the impact zone of the initiative is expected to grow even further.