Nigerian CommunicationWeek

Tarana, Microsoft Enhance Africa’s Broadband Connectivity

Tarana, provider of next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) broadband technology, is collaborating with Microsoft to expand internet access in rural and underserved communities across Africa.

Together, the companies will help service providers in rural and underserved Africa deploy government-approved telecom equipment, along with training and technical support.

This comes as access to secure; affordable telecom equipment remains a major barrier to internet connectivity in Africa. Despite progress, high infrastructure costs and limited rural coverage have allowed the digital divide to persist.

Tarana stated that in some areas, fewer than 30% of people have dependable internet connectivity.

To that end, it said its collaboration with Microsoft will help reduce the cost of ngFWA equipment for African internet service providers while also assisting with deployment logistics, enabling them to give internet access more faster and more cost-effectively.

The company went on to say overcoming two primary limitations of traditional fixed wireless access) technology, ngFWA delivers high-speed broadband service in both non-line-of-sight conditions and heavy radio interference, making it an ideal solution for hard-to-reach and underserved markets.

More than 250 operators worldwide are deploying ngFWA to deliver better broadband more efficiently, said the company.

Basil Alwan, CEO of Tarana, added: “We look forward to making significant progress on the digital divide together.”

“Access to affordable, secure broadband infrastructure is essential for unlocking economic opportunity through digital access across Africa,” said Vickie Robinson, general manager, energy, connectivity, and sustainability at Microsoft. “By working with Tarana, we’re helping local operators overcome cost and deployment barriers so they can bring high-speed connectivity to the communities that need it most.”

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