Kerala fiber optic network: Project phase 1 goes into operation

In the second phase of the project, the state would use the KFON infrastructure to provide free internet connection and subsidized connectivity to others who are economically backward.

With the inauguration of the first phase of the ambitious Kerala Fiber Optic Network (KFON) project by the Kerala government last Monday, more than 8,000 government offices and educational institutions across the state can take advantage of high-speed connectivity. KFON plans to build a complementary fiber optic network throughout the state and expand the broadband infrastructure, involving a total of 30,000 companies.

It is a joint venture between Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd. (KSITIL), the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), and the state in which the two companies each own 49% and the state the remaining 2%. A consortium led by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is implementing the project and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the 35,000 km network for the next seven years.

Similar news

In the first phase, the dedicated fiber optic network will provide fast, reliable and scalable connectivity with non-discriminatory access to all service providers. All government institutions, including schools and hospitals, are connected to the State Data Center (SDC) to ensure fast and secure electronic administration.

In the second phase of the project, the state would use the KFON infrastructure to provide economically backward families with free internet connection and subsidized connectivity for others.

"Kerala is the only state in India that has made the right to the Internet a fundamental right of its citizens. Rights are only significant if they can be exercised. The Kerala Fiber Optic Network Project is our attempt to ensure that all Keralans can properly use internet services. We strive to close the digital divide. With the KFON reality, every home and office in the state will be connected to the information superhighway. It is expected that around 20 lakh in Kerala will have free broadband internet connection, "said Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.

The main backbone of the network runs through KSEB's high-voltage transmission towers, while the end-user is connected through utility towers. The project, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), is valued at Rs 1,028.20 billion, including investments, administrative costs and annual operating costs of Rs 104.4 billion. The loan would be repaid to the KIIFB over a period of 11 years, with the exception of a three-year moratorium period. Under the established business plan, the fees paid by service providers to use the KFON network would be used to offset the bills they generated for free internet connections.

Moses Rajkumar, Deputy Chief Engineer at KSEB explains, "KFON is a neutral network and any service provider can manage it and fill the connectivity gap without being affected by right of way problems, capital investments and previously unusable markets due to infrastructure constraints. The network would also help connect the 4G and 5G towers together and ensure better telecommunications connection.

The fiber optic infrastructure of telecommunications operators is quite limited in the state due to the need for large investments and strict control conditions. In addition, most existing telecommunications towers are wirelessly connected, which limits the bandwidth that can be provided. The project enables telecommunications companies to install towers in government facilities and use the KFON network available in these facilities to connect them with fiber optics.

Get Live Stock Quotes for ESB , NSE , US Market and Current Net Asset Value, Portfolio Mutual Funds , Latest IPO News , Best IPOs , Calculate Your Income Tax Calculator, Meet the Best Winners in the Market, the Best Losers and the Best best equity fund . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter .

Financial Express is now in the telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay up to date with the latest news and updates from Biz.

Let's block ads! (Why?)