Free Wi-Fi, 4G connection, palatial resorts; Lakshadweep on way to becoming new wonderland

Thursday 25 January, 2024 | 11:30 PM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

KOCHI: High-speed internet through optical fibers cable laid under the sea will strengthen Lakshadweep's tourism potential and security arrangements in eh coming years. The island will see a complete overhaul with this reform expects the central government. The move will also be conducive to tourism in the archipelago.

Kochi - Lakshadweep submarine optical fibre connection is ensured by BSNL. With this, the internet service on the island changed from satellite to fibre. Internet will work at the same speed on the island as it is on the mainland. Bandwidth which was earlier 1.7GB is now 200 GB.

The 1,868 km cable was laid under the sea from Kuzhipilly Beach in Vypin to the Minicoy Islands in Kavaratti. The connection will spread from other islands in Lakshadweep from this spot. The project will have a budget of Rs 1072 crore. Funding is provided by the Department of Telecom's Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). 4G connectivity will soon spread across the islands. Out of the current 28 towers, 23 are 4G. 18 more towers will be constructed.

PM Modi’s December visit to Lakshadweep triggered massive unrest within neighbouring Maldives as the two countries got tucked in a bitter feud since then. However, this sudden loggerhead with Maldives ushered India to ramp up works in Lakshadweep for good. Projects including resorts are being prepared. Only ten of the 36 islands are inhabited.