Microsoft today announced a new agreement with RTO Wireless to bring broadband internet to 290,000 people living in rural New York and Maine. This is the latest win for Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, which is aiming to use TV White Spaces to bring internet to 2 million people in unserved portions of rural America.
According to Microsoft, under the partnership, RTO Wireless will use TV white spaces and Citizens Broadband Radio Service. There will also be an initial rollout to a total of 16 counties in Maine and 20 counties in New York. This was reflected by Shelley McKinley, Microsoft’s head of Technology and Corporate Responsibility.
“Without reliable internet access, many people living in rural America are unable to take advantage of the same opportunities as their urban neighbors…We are excited to partner with RTO Wireless to bring broadband to students, farmers, educators and business owners across the Southern Tier and North Country of New York and Western Maine so that they have an equal opportunity to learn, grow, contribute and prosper in the 21st century economy.”
Microsoft takes no profit from their Airband Initiative and instead reinvests any money made back into the program to expand broadband to more rural areas. The company last announced a partnership with RADWIN a few weeks ago in order to bolster their initiative.
