Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is negotiating with the State Bank of India (SBI) on the use of the White Space technology to bring WiFi and banking to 3.5 million people in the rural areas of the country. This project is seen to propel the economy of rural India.

White Space Project Definition

Microsoft's white space frequencies offers wide distance wireless network through old, unused television spectrum, MS Power User reported. Microsoft has conducted successful test with the white space technology in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, which is home to 125,000 people. It has conducted these tests in July 2016.

Benefits of Project

The tech company believe that the spectrum should be given free so that the less fortunate consumers will be encouraged to use it. Microsoft's White Space technology would bring internet banking in the far flung areas of India that has minimal connectivity, Win Buzzer reported.

With this technology, people in the rural areas can save the money they have to spend in going to the bank branches in the city. This advancement could also help the country move towards the government's plan for cashless financing.

Prashant Shukla, Microsofts national technology officer in India believes that rural internet will enhance the rural economy in the country. This based on the 2012 International Telecom Union report, which states that a 10 percent increase in internet connection can help raise the GDP by 1.38 percent in countries with low-earning workers.

This doesn't only bring affordable connectivity in rural areas of India, it can also bring new livelihood opportunities for people who live in those places.

The White Space project, however, faces some major hurdles. One of which is that some parties believe that the security is still a big issue. Deputy managing director Mrutyunjay Mahaparta said that the security side of the project is not yet established.

Another problem is the opposition coming from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) who argues that the spectrum should be auctioned and not just allocated to a single entity, which is Microsoft.

Tags India