Microsoft plans to expand Airband Initiative—will reach 25 states by next year

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Microsoft has announced that their Airband initiative, a project that is expected to bring broadband to millions more people in the U.S by 2022, will expand to 9 additional states next year. At current, the project is being deployed in 16 states.

For those unfamiliar, the Airband initiative is Microsoft’s goal to bring broadband to an additional 2 million rural residents who don’t currently have access. With today’s announcement, the tech giant plans to raise its commitment to 3 million rural residents.

U.S. map showing states with Airband Initiative
Microsoft’s Airband Initiative in ongoing in multiple states, including the company’s own Washington state.

Microsoft says that all of this is possible thanks to its investments in technologies to make all of this possible. Microsoft plans to use vacant television broadcast frequencies, known as TV White Spaces, to deliver broadband internet wirelessly to residents who need it. The tech company explains all of this in further detail on their blog.

Additionally, Microsoft’s president Brad Sams is expected to host a webcast to provide an update on its plans and potentially tell you what you need to know. So feel free to tune in later today, starting at 9:30 Redmond, Washington time.

Do you know anyone who could benefit from broadband internet access? Let us know your thought down in the comment area below.