Microsoft wants to close the rural broadband gap with TV white spaces

Microsoft wants to improve rural broadband access by using TV white spaces spectrum, and eliminate the gap across the US over the next five years. Currently, in many rural parts of America you have to rely on poor cable connections, radio-powered modems, or even satellite technology to get access to the internet. The speeds are usually not adequate enough to even stream Netflix episodes, let alone browse the web properly.

Unused TV white spaces operating in the 600 MHz frequency range will be repurposed for Microsoft’s projects, and these frequencies have enough bandwidth to help deliver internet to thousands of homes. Microsoft is using it’s using previous experience deploying white spaces projects in 17 different countries to execute its ambitious plans. “At Microsoft, we’re prepared to invest our own resources to help serve as a catalyst for broader market adoption of this new model,” says Brad Smith, Microsoft’s chief legal officer. Microsoft is creating a Rural Airband Initiative that will invest in partnerships with telecommunications companies to create 12 projects in 12 states over the next 12 months.

“Our goal is not to enter the telecommunications business ourselves or even to profit directly from these projects,” explains Smith. “We will invest in the upfront capital projects needed to expand broadband coverage, seek a revenue share from operators to recoup our investment, and then use these revenue proceeds to invest in additional projects to expand coverage further. We’re confident that this approach is good for the country and even for our business. After all, if 23 million additional customers can access the internet at broadband speeds, every tech company in America will benefit.”

Microsoft is aiming to connect 2 million people with its own investments, and eventually helping partners serve more than 20 million people with rural broadband connections. Smith is now calling on the US government to help with the effort. Microsoft wants the FCC to ensure that at least three channels below 700 MHz are kept unlicensed in all markets in the US, with additional TV white spaces for even smaller markets and rural areas. Microsoft also wants to see increased funding with infrastructure investments targeted towards broadband coverage in rural areas and improved data collection for rural broadband coverage.

“As a country, we should not settle for an outcome that leaves behind more than 23 million of our rural neighbors,” explains Smith. “To the contrary, we can and should bring the benefits of broadband coverage to every corner of the nation. “

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Are Israeli kids at risk from the ‘Blue Whale’ suicide challenge?

Most games teenagers play are relatively harmless, but Israeli parents are concerned that a new trend could leave their children in serious danger this summer.

The worry centers on a game called Blue Whale, which originated in Russia, and urges teenagers to complete a series of dangerous and harmful tasks that culminate in the “winner’s” suicide.

• ‘Protecting children as individuals comes first and foremost’
• Accidental deaths claim lives of six children since June 1

According to a letter from the Education Ministry earlier this month obtained by Maariv, parents should be on the lookout for warning signs that their children may be taking part in this game.

“Participants in the game are instructed by the organizer to complete a series of daily tasks over a period of 50 days, at the end of which they are asked to commit suicide,” according to the letter. The Education Ministry noted that some of warning signs include dramatic changes in behavior, going out for nighttime activities or getting up very early, writing “I am a whale” as a status on social media and scratching F57 or F58 on to limbs. The tasks range from watching violent movies to cutting off interactions with family and friends and self harm.

“There are different behaviors that may attest to many different risky processes with a variety of reasons,” according to the letter, “and therefore any indicator should be thoroughly checked out.”

There have been no reported deaths or injuries linked to the game in Israel. The Education Ministry told The Jerusalem Post that it did not send out the letter to parents, but it was an internal directive sent to ministry advisers and experts. The letter appears to have been leaked and circulated among parent groups on WhatsApp and Facebook.

In Russia, police have investigated dozens of suicides and suicide attempts they believe may be linked to the game, according to news reports. Last month, President Vladimir Putin signed into law a measure that would criminalize behavior inducing minors to commit suicide, according to the Russian TASS news agency. 

In the UK, a range of local police forces and school districts have warned parents and educators to be on the lookout for warning signs, but there too, no documented cases exist.

Udi Shaham contributed to this report.

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