Microsoft to work with AP
Hyderabad, Aug 14 (INN): Global technology giant Microsoft will be working with Andhra Pradesh government on a pilot project called the White Spaces Project in Srikakulam, a technology that uses unused television spectrum to deliver low cost Internet connectivity. This is the first time this technology is being implemented in India in Andhra Pradesh.
Anil Bhansali, managing director, Microsoft India R&D and Prashant Shukla, National Technology Officer and other executives called on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in this regard.
Highlighting the potential of TV White Spaces, the Chief Minister said that the project will help in the last-mile connectivity. Wifi has a range of only about 100 metres, whereas the 200-300 MHz spectrum band available in the white space can reach up to 10 km.
The company has already conducted this project on pilot basis in countries such as Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Singapore among others.
The Chief Minister, later, interacted over Skype from his camp office in Vijayawada with students in Voppangi, Singupuram, Fareedapeta and Sativada.
Microsoft has also presented the cloud-based Machine Learning solution that they have built in collaboration with the Department of Primary Education to help predict student drop-outs. This technology has helped make required interventions in bringing down the drop-out rates in schools.
This too is one of the first such initiatives by any State Government in India. Given this experience, the Chief Minister believes that machine-learning has far reaching impact for gathering insights and taking corrective actions in various sectors, and departments of the Government.
As a technology-savvy Chief Minister, he sees the future in data-driven decision-making and the use of cutting-edge technologies to enable better governance.
News Posted: 14 August, 2015
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