Microsoft Partners with SpaceX Starlink to Expand Internet Access in Africa

Microsoft has joined forces with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space exploration company, in an effort to expand internet connectivity to underserved regions. This collaboration will leverage SpaceX’s Starlink satellite technology to provide digital access to remote and rural areas where traditional infrastructure is not sufficient.

This marks Microsoft’s second partnership with a company owned by Musk. Just last September, the technology giant announced a collaboration with Musk’s AI startup, xAI, to integrate the Grok AI model into its Azure platform.

"Microsoft continues to expand and diversify its portfolio to reach communities where traditional infrastructure alone cannot meet demand", said Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft, in a blog post announcing the partnership.

Focus on Rural Connectivity in Kenya

The collaboration will focus on connecting 450 community hubs in Kenya, including farmer cooperatives, aggregation centers, and digital hubs. According to Microsoft, the initiative will combine Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity with locally driven deployment models and partnerships within the ecosystem.

"Through our collaboration with Starlink, Microsoft is combining low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity with community-based deployment models and local ecosystem partnerships. This is intended to expand the set of tools available to deliver digital access while remaining firmly embedded in a holistic, partnership-driven approach", Nakagawa explained.

Supporting Agriculture and Digital Skills

The deployment of Starlink’s technology in Kenya is aimed at more than just providing internet access. It will also support agricultural productivity by connecting farmers to digital tools and markets, as well as advancing the adoption of AI-enabled services. These efforts aim to empower local communities by providing the necessary digital skills and coordination within the ecosystem.

"These deployments combine satellite connectivity with digital skills, tools, and ecosystem coordination to support agricultural productivity, access to markets, and adoption of digital and AI-enabled services", said Nakagawa.

This collaboration highlights Microsoft’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and exploring innovative technologies to serve communities that have historically been left behind by traditional internet infrastructure. By partnering with SpaceX, the tech giant is taking another step forward in its mission to make digital access and connectivity widely available.

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