Microsoft to help Bangladesh increase bandwidth capacity by using TVWS

US-based software giant Microsoft will extend cooperation to Bangladesh government in increasing capacity of bandwidth for wireless devices by using TV white spaces (TVWS), reports BSS.

The assurance came when Information and Communication Technology (ICT) secretary Md Nazrul Islam Khan sought cooperation from the president of Microsoft Asia Pacific Cesar Cernuda to increase internet speed using TVWS at a meeting held at the ICT Division Tuesday.

Official sources said the Microsoft also expressed interest to work together with the government on cloud computing, setting up innovation centre and big data analytics.

"In TV broadcast channels, the underutilised spectrum resource-known as TV white spaces-can be used to extend broadband capacity for wireless devices like laptop, tablet, mobile," said Nazrul Islam Khan emerging from the meeting.

He said the government has sought cooperation to enhance internet speed as Microsoft has expertise in extending broadband capacity by using the TVWS in many countries of the world.

"We want to ensure high speed internet in the educational institutions of the country especially in the rural areas and the use of TVWS will greatly help to do that," Mr Khan added.

During the meeting, Mr Cesar reiterated that the Microsoft has a plan to set up innovation centres in universities and a research and development centre in the under-construction high- tech park in Gazipur if the government gives them land, sources said.

The innovation centre will help generate new ideas and business opportunities and facilitate technology transfer.

Cesar praised Bangladesh's progress towards digitization, including initiatives to develop IT literate people and ensure people's access to public services.

Country Manager, Microsoft Bangladesh, Sonia Bashir Kabir was also present.