IN: Microsoft, Hughes to set up broadband enabled kiosks

NEW DELHI: Microsoft India on Thursday entered into a partnership with Hughes to create a self sustaining IT infrastructure in rural areas by deploying broadband enabled ICT kiosks in about 200 towns and villages across the country.The company would roll out about 5,000 such kiosks, which would be operated on a franchisee model and enable new entrepreneurs across the rural landscape to use technology for e-commerce, education and e-governance, a Microsoft statement said here.

It would lead to better communication and access to information through all round connectivity and offer people a platform to acquire skills sets, undertake e-literacy programmes for ordinary citizens, the statement said.

Microsoft, as part of its rural computing initiative ‘Project Saksham’, would work with Hughes to set up the ICT kiosks across blocks, talluqas and villages, it said.

“This is a reiteration of our efforts to forge successful partnerships in creating a highly sustainable and scalable ecosystem. Together, we aim to drive technology access at the grassroots level to enable socio economic development of rural communities,” Microsoft Head - Rural Computing Tarun Malik said.

Hughes India CEO and President Pranav Roach said, “the ITC kiosks will not only provide a platform for exchange of information and knowledge but also serve as a platform to create over 15,000 jobs and self employment opportunities.”

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