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Tarana, a global leader in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft. The new deal will help to deliver affordable, high-speed broadband to underserved and rural communities across Africa.
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The collaboration is part of Microsoft’s expanding Airband Initiative. This focuses on bridging the global digital divide by accelerating broadband deployment in underserved regions.
Through this partnership, Tarana will roll out its innovative next-generation Fixed Wireless Access (ngFWA) platform. This is specifically designed to deliver fiber-class internet performance at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional wired infrastructure.
Under the agreement, Microsoft and Tarana will support internet service providers (ISPs) across Africa with the deployment of government-approved telecom equipment. The deal makes it easier and more affordable to connect unserved communities.
“Access to affordable, secure broadband infrastructure is essential for unlocking economic opportunity through digital access across Africa,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager for Energy, Connectivity, and Sustainability at Microsoft.
Revolutionizing Connectivity with ngFWA Technology
“By working with Tarana, we’re helping local operators overcome cost and deployment barriers so they can bring high-speed connectivity to the communities that need it most,” Robinson added.
Tarana’s ngFWA platform was developed after a decade of research and over $400 million in R&D investment. The technology supports non-line-of-sight (NLoS) environments and performs reliably. This is even so in areas with high radio frequency interference—conditions typical in rural and densely populated urban areas across Africa.
Unlike traditional broadband, FWA uses 4G LTE and 5G spectrum to wirelessly connect fixed points, such as from a tower to a home or business. This allows for rapid deployment without the need for extensive fiber rollout.
According to Tarana, less than 30% of Africa’s population has access to reliable internet in many regions, making the need for scalable, cost-effective connectivity solutions more urgent than ever.
“We admire the Airband Initiative’s mission and appreciate this opportunity to collaborate,We look forward to making significant progress on closing the digital divide together,” said Basil Alwan, CEO of Tarana.
Lower Equipment Costs, Faster Deployments for ISPs
As part of the partnership, Tarana’s ngFWA equipment will be offered at a reduced cost to local ISPs in Africa. This eliminates one of the biggest barriers to broadband expansion: affordability. By making the infrastructure more accessible, the initiative is expected to unlock digital transformation. It will also support economic growth, and empower communities with education, healthcare, and business opportunities.
Tarana has previously partnered with UScellular in the U.S. to bring broadband to rural Missouri. There, it demonstrated the platform’s success in connecting underserved populations.
