Nokia, IIT-Madras to boost broadband connectivity in rural India

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) has partnered with Nokia to create technology solutions that will enhance broadband connectivity in rural India.

TheIIT-M is an autonomous public engineering and research institution located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India.

Under the 3-year partnership, Nokia will fund and provide technological expertise for research at IIT-M’s Center of Excellence for Wireless Technology (CEWiT).

The project will evaluate the option of using unlicensed spectrum to deliver cost-efficient, last-mile broadband connectivity to remote rural communities in India, complementing the government’s National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN) initiative.

Strengthening the foundation of ‘Digital India’

The research project aims to bridge the connectivity divide in India by broadening the reach of broadband in rural areas. As part of this research, CEWiT at IIT-M will undertake the following measures:

· Verify the feasibility of using unlicensed spectrum radio access technologies for cost-efficient, last-mile broadband connectivity

· Complement the Indian government’s ambitious plans of providing fiber optic connectivity to 230,000 gram panchayats* by providing last-mile connectivity from gram panchayats to their respective villages

· Create effective low cost rural access solutions based on Wi-Fi technology

“India is on the cusp of a digital revolution. We are really excited about this research collaboration with IIT-Madras, which will leverage its talent and innovation to drive the Indian government’s vision of empowering rural communities through broadband connectivity – an initiative that will revolutionize access to government services and the Internet.The successful implementation of this project is a key social development objective for Nokia in India," said Sandeep Girotra, Vice President and Head of India region, Nokia.

Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, said: “Together with Nokia, IIT-Madras, through its Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology, will explore new avenues for getting affordable wireless broadband technology to rural India in an effort to bridge the digital divide. Our research will focus on leveraging the power of the Internet to accelerate the development of India's rural communities, home to the vast majority of India's population.”