An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Jan. 23, 2023

USTDA, AirJaldi Networks Partner on Digital Connectivity in India

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India

Arlington, VA -- On January 18, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a grant to Indian internet service provider AirJaldi Networks for a feasibility study to help expand broadband connectivity to more than 30 million people in rural and peri-urban communities across India. AirJaldi selected Georgia-based Vernonburg Group LLC to conduct the study.

“Projects such as this can transform communities and stimulate more inclusive economic growth. AirJaldi’s vision to provide reliable and affordable internet access to the underserved is one that USTDA is proud to share,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This project also reflects USTDA’s commitment to bridge India’s digital divide through partnerships with U.S. industry.”

The study will evaluate the technical and economic viability of expanding AirJaldi’s broadband network into new rural and peri-urban areas, as well as modelling sustainable business cases and scenarios for delivering affordable connectivity and value-added digital services for customers in these markets. The study will identify and prioritize infrastructure investments for AirJaldi to expand broadband connectivity across 16 Indian states, design network architecture, evaluate technology options, provide a financing plan, and assess other critical areas that will be necessary for the project’s implementation.

“The provision of fast and reliable connectivity to underserved, yet well-deserving communities in rural and semi-rural areas in India remains a challenge, despite great progress made in the past few years by multiple providers and partners across India, us included,” said AirJaldi Director, Michael Ginguld. “Maintaining the drive to realize universal access to fast, stable and economically and socially beneficial connectivity throughout the country requires considerable financial and human resources. We are therefore excited and happy to receive this award and to be joined by USTDA, the Vernonburg Group, and other study partners in our ongoing journey to realization of this vision.”

The project advances priorities of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, with the goal of developing, expanding, and deploying secure digital infrastructure to power economic growth and facilitate open digital societies.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
363,146
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout...

AUKUS Trilateral Statement
Graphic intended for use as a placeholder for Statements and Press Releases without accompanying imagery.
March 22, 2024 - The Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense,...

U.S., India launch Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024
Courtesy Photo
March 21, 2024 - Indian and U.S. combined armed forces began Exercise Tiger TRIUMPH 2024 with the arrival of amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), March 18 and an opening ceremony March 19.This is the third time U.S. and...

USACE: Ensuring Safety Every Step of the Way
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work in Japan for all military services and agencies. With over 60 years of experience in designing and constructing facilities in Japan, JED possesses the experience in Japanese standards and specifications, regulations, construction practices, maintenance requirements, and culture needed to ensure facilities are built with the utmost safety and professionalism. Photo by Charles Maib.
March 21, 2024 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Japan Engineer District (USACE JED) is the premier Department of Defense (DoD) military construction (MILCON) agent in the Pacific, providing facilities-related design and construction work...

THAAD Battery in Guam Successfully Completes Table VIII Evaluation
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launcher used by E-3 Air Defense Artillery THAAD Battery as part of their Table VIII certification in Dededo, Guam, March 13, 2024. The THAAD battery, equipped with a state-of-the-art missile defense system, is tasked with defending Guam against ballistic missile threats. (U.S. Army Photo by Maj. Trevor Wild)
March 21, 2024 - In a testament to readiness and operational excellence, Task Force Talon's E-3 ADA THAAD Battery conducted a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam, March 11-15,...