Microsoft Corporation India Pvt ltd and Hughes today announced their commitment to work together on rolling out 5,000 broadband enabled ICT kiosks across the country. The ICT kiosks will be deployed across 200 small towns and rural regions pan India and will be operated on a franchisee based model offering budding entrepreneurs across the rural landscape to use technology for e-commerce, education and e-governance.

Microsoft, as part of its rural computing initiative “Project Saksham” and Hughes would work together and synergize their efforts to achieve the common objective of setting up these ICT kiosks across Blocks, Talluqas & Villages.

“Today’s partnership delivers a variety of digital services nationwide, empower people and the way people live, work and communicate. The ICT kiosks will not only provide a platform for exchange of information and knowledge but also serve as a platform to create over 15,000 jobs and self employment opportunities,” said Pranav Roach, President and CEO, Hughes Network Systems, India. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohit Kumar, Country Head – Public Sector, Microsoft, said “Connectivity is a key challenge in creating a digitally inclusive society and this partnership is a step towards our aim of providing a holistic ecosystem under ‘Project Saksham’ at the ground level and enable the rural ecosystem.”

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