High speed internet: Unable to lay cable, K-FON project drags on

KASARAGOD: The K-FON introduced by the Pinarayi government as its pride project to provide free internet connection to 20 lakh poor families is dragging on. The main reason is the delay in getting permission from various departments to install the cable. The first phase was inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the Assembly elections. The Chief Minister had said in the last assembly session that the project would be completed by the end of December 2021. It was initially intended to be implemented in districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Palakkad.

The project cost is Rs 1531 crore. K-FON Limited was also formed. The project is being implemented by a consortium of Bharat Electronics. The goal is high-speed Internet access to 20 lakh economically disadvantaged families, free access to others, and affordable access to 30,000 government offices and educational institutions. It is envisioned to be the longest fiber network in the state.

Concern that roads will be damaged

Delay in getting the right of way permission to lay the cable

The National Highways Authority and the Public Works Department have not given their consent for fear of damaging the roads

The forest department is also worried that the trees will have to be cut down

The railways are also avoiding it as they do not want the cables to run through their place

Covid second wave was also a challenge

Over 25,000 kilometres

The total cable length is 26,410 km

7932 km installed

The target is 30,000 government offices and 20 lakh households

Connections were provided at 1549 offices only