The government of Kerala has launched the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project, which seeks to provide free internet connectivity to the economically weaker sections of the state.
In its initial phase, the project would provide internet connections to 14,000 households and 30,000 government offices in the state. So far, 17,412 government institutions and 2,015 homes have been serviced. Additionally, 9,000 households have been linked by cable. As per the government, around 2 million families that are economically backward will eventually be provided with the service free of cost. K-FON will be available to others at an affordable rate.
The state government has obtained a category 1 licence to provide basic internet services as part of the project, in addition to the internet service provider (ISP) category B unified licence to officially provide internet services. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will be the ISP for the project.
The government and Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) are funding the project’s implementation, which is expected to cost more than Rs 15 billion. K-FON will be responsible for handling operations and administration.
