Microsoft Targets Internet Expansion in Africa, Longer-Term Cloud Adoption

Microsoft aims to secure internet access for 100 million more people in Africa by 2025, teaming up with a satellite provider and setting the stage for longer-term cloud adoption, its President Brad Smith said. From a report: The software maker has long pushed to bring more people online, playing the role of facilitator among telecoms and electricity providers, governments and non-profits. Since 2017, it helped widen connectivity for 50 million people, including nearly 10 million in Africa, under its so-called Airband initiative.

Now, Microsoft is tapping satellite technology for the program for the first time, aiming to reach remote areas that have had little connectivity. In news pegged to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Microsoft said Wednesday it is working with Viasat to expand access in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries globally. Smith said the effort was "building a new market for access to the internet, for the use of the cloud, for the power of AI, the ability to harness data. All of these things connect with our business."

They need MORE access...?

[cayenne8]

Are the Nigerian princes really having such a problem reaching folks with offers to split fortunes that they need Microsoft giving satellite access to their villages?

I thought they were doing fine up until now..?!?

Re:

[NoWayNoShapeNoForm]

Are the Nigerian princes really having such a problem reaching folks with offers to split fortunes that they need Microsoft giving satellite access to their villages?

I thought they were doing fine up until now..?!?

+1 Funny

Smart Move

[Thelasko]

The population of developed countries is shrinking, and Wall Street demands growth. If you want to guarantee future growth, you need to invest in areas with population growth, and that is primarily Africa and Asia.

China knows this, and they are making huge investments in these regions. It's time for US corporations to wake up to reality an invest in developing parts of the world.

Re:

[gtall]

While cheap labor might be influencing China's interest in Africa, in my opinion it is more about access to raw materials.

At least they didn't lie

[iampiti]

Good thing they're being honest with this: "All of these things connect with our business".
I hate when companies pretend they're doing things to help people. Yes, this will probably improve the lives of many africans but it's obvious MS are in it mainly for the money. They need new users for their online services and providing Internet access to unserserved areas is a smart way of doing it.
So...good for them for being honest about this.

Viasat: high speeds, high latency, expensive

[kriston]

Viasat: high speeds, high latency, expensive. It's a lot better than nothing.