REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday,
Microsoft Corp. announced it selected CvWireless as a winner of its third annual Airband Grant Fund to help bring broadband internet access to rural communities. As one of eight winners, CV
Wireless is using innovative broadband solutions to connect 300 households in Essex County, New
York, including the towns of Whallonsburg, Willsboro and
Reber. The Airband Grant Fund is part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative, which aims to help close the broadband access gap in rural America by 2022.
"CV Wireless is working to ensure the citizens of Essex County have the broadband access they
need to connect and compete with their more urban neighbors," said Shelley McKinley , Microsoft's head of Technology and Corporate Responsibility.
"Their use of innovative technologies like TV white spaces will help close the broadband gap in the New
York state."
The Microsoft Airband Grant Fund seeks to spark innovation to overcome barriers to affordable internet access, through support
of high-potential, early-stage startups creating innovative new technologies, services and business models. This year's grantees
receive cash investments, access to technology, mentoring and networking opportunities.
"CvWireless is honored to be recognized for innovation and its continued response to its rural communities' need to access
high-speed internet service. The Microsoft grant provides needed funds to continue to enhance our communities' internet access by
reaching those locations that are truly the last mile of our mountainous and wooded paradise," said Beth
Schiller, owner of CvWireless.
Broadband is the electricity of the 21st century. It is a necessity to start and grow a small business and take advantage of
advances in agriculture, telemedicine and education. In the United States, more than 24 million
Americans lack broadband access, including 19.4 million people living in rural areas.
Below is a list of this year's Microsoft Airband Grant Fund recipients. More about the Microsoft Airband Grant Fund can be
found here.
About CvWireless
CvWireless is an internet service provider (ISP) that supports rural customers in Essex County, New
York. Using a combination of fixed wireless solutions, including TV white spaces, they deliver affordable broadband to
households, farms, government offices, and small businesses.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent
edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.