On Wednesday, the cabinet of the Indian state Kerala approved the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project, an INR 1,548 crore project that aims to provide free internet to poor people of the state. Earlier, Thomas Isaac, the finance minister of the state declared the internet as a ‘basic human right’ and the KFON project will provide internet to around 20 lakh families that are living below the poverty line.
Internet connection made a basic a citizen right. Kerala cabinet gives final nod for ₹1548 crores Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON)Project to provide Internet to every household in the state. For 20 lakh BPL households it will be free. The project to be completed by Dec 2020.
— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) November 7, 2019
The KFON project will be undertaken by a joint venture of the Kerala State Electricity Limited and the Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited. The project is expected to be completed by December 2020.
According to the official statement, the KFON project will bring tonnes of opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things and startups. The project will help in digitization of government services and high-speed internet will be offered to 30,000 government offices and schools.
It will bring a major boost to the education and IT sector in the state. Internet service providers and cable TV service providers can also join the KFON project to deliver economical and reliable services to the residents of the state.
Notably, Kerala has the highest literacy rate in the country and projects like KFON will further extend the range of opportunities available to youngsters as well as elder people.
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