Kerala becomes the first state to have its own broadband service

K-FON has finished installing cable for more than 7,000 connections and has more than 1,000 residential subscribers on board.

In order to provide widespread internet access at a reasonable price, Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, introduced a state-led initiative, the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON), a government-owned broadband service provider. K-FON's commercial website and mobile app were launched at the inaugural event, marking an important turning point in the state's aspirations for digital connectivity.

The project will be completed in two tracks. In its first phase, the outlying of the state-wide core optical fibre network would be done to provide K-FON connectivity to 30,000+ government workplaces. In the second phase, the government plans to provide free internet to about 14,000 economically disadvantaged families and subsidized connection to others by leveraging K-FON Infrastructure, starting with 100 families in each legislative assembly district across the state, the project will prioritise internet access based on a list submitted by local self-governing authorities.

In accordance with the announcement, K-FON has finished installing cable for more than 7,000 connections and has more than 1,000 residential subscribers on board. After the project's initial phase is finished, in August 2023, K-FON plans to increase the scope of its offerings to include commercial connections. Within the first year, the project aims to offer about 250,000 business connections, laying the groundwork for its long-term stability and profitability.

According to the project's website, the goal is to give more than 20 lakh individuals free access to the internet. The effort, according to the CM, will benefit close to 14,000 Keralan households.

In Kerala, K-FON is claimed to have already built a strong IT infrastructure that can sustain 400,000 internet connections. Customers will be able to access internet services with a minimum download speed of 20 Mbps, with higher download speeds available depending on individual needs. 26,492 government offices have already had internet connectivity installed by K-FON, with 17,354 of those offices already having live internet access. According to the given list, the remaining government offices are expected to be connected by the end of June.

With the launch of K-FON, the CM advocated for universal internet access and hailed the initiative and said Kerala has demonstrated its commitment to closing the digital gap and providing all citizens with equal access to the internet. The state's gradual approach to achieving universal connection is anticipated to stimulate socio-economic growth, provide people more influence, and improve people's quality of life. With K-FON's ambitious growth ambitions and reasonably priced internet services, Kerala is positioned to lead the nation in digital innovation and set an example for other states to follow.

The chief minister praised the project as a crucial milestone in Kerala's transition to a knowledge economy and the promotion of an innovation-driven society . According to the chief minister, by establishing connectivity in certain areas through K-FON, such as Idamalakudy in the heart of the forest, "no one would be left behind and everyone would be a part of the real Kerala story."