THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The K-FON project, which offers free high-speed internet to poor families, government institutions and schools, is dragging on without reaching its target. It was said that starting from 2022, more than 64,000 connections will be provided by June this year. However, only more than 34,000 connections have been provided so far. Authorities cite several reasons for not completing the project on time.
One of the main reasons is the changing of KSEB posts due to the national highway development works and the inability to lay the cable along the roadside. While the reason for not providing connections to high-tech schools is cited as planning errors, the lack of clarity in the list is cited as the main hindrance in providing connections to poor families. The inability to find operators is the reason for the delay in providing commercial connections. The tender for the purchase of switch for connection has also been delayed.
Several schools are waiting without renewing their current BSNL connection, thinking they will get a K-FON connection. A BEL-led consortium comprising RailTel, SRIT and LS Cable have been tasked with implementing the project.
Targeted, connections provided so far