Redmond, WA – September 12, 2019 – New Sun Road participated in the Microsoft Airband Summit 2019, which is its annual gathering that brings together private and public-sector organizations to help address the needs of millions of people globally who live in rural communities and lack access to broadband and energy. As a leading renewables power management and energy access solutions provider, New Sun Road has been a partner of the Airband Initiative since its inception and have worked closely with Microsoft to eliminate the energy access and broadband gap by deploying low-cost technology at scale. Our team had the opportunity to discuss and showcase our technology solutions with rural ISPs, telecom tower companies, local power partners and development finance institutions at the event.
The Airband Summit is a full 2-day programme dedicated to advancing partnerships and practical solutions to extend internet access to 40 million unserved and underserved people around the globe by July 2022. Highlights of the event included a presentation by our CEO; Jalel Sager on the company’s growth over the years and how our remote energy management solutions is transforming both the microgrid segment but also telecom space. Also, our Global Projects Manager; Jeanne Everett spoke on the positive impact of our Stellar ISTM digital literacy projects on the lives of girls and women in rural Guatemala. The programme was a success and we had the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in renewable energy, advances in wireless connectivity and had strategic discussions with various stakeholders looking to make clean energy impact.
About Microsoft Airband Initiative
Fourteen percent of the global population lack access to electricity, which inhibits their ability to access the internet. To facilitate connectivity and increase access, the Microsoft Airband Initiative invests in affordable, off-grid energy providers around the world. The Microsoft Airband Initiative also partners with organizations to utilize TV Whites Space (TVWS) devices and other low-cost wireless technologies to make it easier and more affordable for people to get online and participate in today’s economy.
Its goal is to extend internet access to 40 million unserved and underserved people around the globe by July 2022. Concentrating its efforts to areas with significant underserved populations – initially, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa – that also have regulatory interest in solving connectivity issues. The initiative also supports businesses working to increase internet and energy access and make it more affordable. Partnerships include co-investment and access to resources like technology, digital skills, and reseller programs.
Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/airband