Microsoft’s “Connect Americans Now” advocacy group aims to get more rural Americans online

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Published onJanuary 3, 2018

published onJanuary 3, 2018

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Microsoft has long been pushing for theuse of TV White Space tech in rural Americato help more folks get online, but the company recently took things to a new level.As noted by Venture Beat, Microsoft formed the “Connect Americans Now” advocacy group, helping advocate the FCC to remove regulations that are in the way of rural broadband initiatives.

The news comes right after Microsoft President Brad Smithpushed out a note on the top 10 tech issues for 2018, with technology for rural communities making the list. Anyway, The App Association, a software trade organization, and the National Rural Education Association join Microsoft as members of the Connect Americans Now advocacy group.

According to a websitefor Connect Americans Now, the group plans to “engage policymakers in a meaningful dialogue on the most effective ways to ensure that all American communities can benefit from high-speed broadband coverage.”The website also citesthat roughly 34 million Americans lack a broadband connection and 23.4 million live in rural areas.

TV White Space technology depends on the use of open unused broadcast spectrums (mainly from TV stations) to bring internet to rural areas. These airwaves also can travel greater distances and can better penetrate through walls and other obstacles. Microsoft plans to provide small investments in capital expenditure to build the TV White Space broadband networks, but like any commercial environment does not take a return on investment into consideration. The tech was in use inPuerto Rico and the US Virgin Islandsfollowing hurricanes.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Microsoft’s “Connect Americans Now” advocacy group aims to get more rural Americans online