• Aim is to leverage unlicensed spectrum to enhance broadband connectivity in rural India, enable the government’s vision of ‘Digital India’
• Supports Nokia’s vision to expand the human possibilities of technology in a connected world
• Aligns with Nokia’s Sustainability strategy to improve people’s lives with technology, enhanced through our Corporate Social Responsibility research program for rural development

09 February , 2016

New Delhi/Gurgaon, India – The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), one of the country’s foremost educational institutions, has partnered with Nokia to create technology solutions that will enhance broadband connectivity in rural 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

Sandeep Girotra, Vice President and Head of India region, Nokia, said:

“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.”

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.”

Did you know?

At Nokia, we are committed to respecting people and our planet in everything we do, as well as innovating ways to connect the world for a better tomorrow. As a responsible organization that cares for the communities in which it operates, Nokia supports corporate social responsibility endeavors that further the development of India and its citizens. A case-in-point is the recent collaboration with “Save the Children” to protect children during disaster situations.

In collaboration with The Ecomomic Times, a leading publication, Nokia has also initiated a debate on how technology can improve the lives of citizens in India and around the world.