Microsoft’s White-Fi technology to vitalize PM Modi’s Digital India plan

In a country of massive change, digital divide can pose a serious challenge. And in all the government initiatives, technology has major role to play. Keeping this in mind, American multinational technology firm Microsoft Corporation is all set to boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India plan.

According to Microsoft, its newly-developed White-Fi technology, which uses the unused spectrum in frequencies utilised for broadcasting of television signals, can provide free WiFi connectivity to tackle the problem of last mile broadband connectivity in India.

Prashant Shukla, national technology officer at Microsoft India, told The Economic Times, "TV White-Space technology puts the unused spectrum in the TV channels to a good effect. This technology has potential to provide free connectivity to large sections of the Indian population through wider coverage and economical deployment and licence-free access."

As per Microsoft, White-Fi technology can be best suited to provide digital connectivity to low-income group segments which mostly remain unattractive to commercial telecom providers. This move will be a right step to make India Digital.

"The business model that we are looking at ensures last mile connectivity, and can facilitate better delivery of citizen services in both urban and rural areas," Shukla added.

Under the ‘Digital India’ initiative, the Modi government plans to use the national optic fibre network project to deliver e-services to all corner of the country. (Image: www.newsismybusiness.com)