The Kerala state cabinet on Wednesday approved the KFON ) project, which aims to provide free internetto those in the state who cannot afford to choose a provider. Earlier, the state's finance minister, Thomas Isaac, said on Twitter thatthe internet is a "basic human right" and said that the KFON project will provide access to about 20 families living below the poverty line.
Internet connection made a basic citizen right. Kerala cabinet gives final nod for ₹1548 crores Kerala Fiber 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 is to be implemented by Kerala State Electricity Limited in collaboration with Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited and is expected to be completed by December 2020.
According to the official statement, the KFON project will bring many opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things and startups. The project will help digitize government services and provide high-speed internet to 30,000 government offices and schools.
It will provide a significant 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 provide affordable and reliable services to the residents of the state.
It is worth mentioning that Kerala has the highest literacy rate in the country and projects like KFON will create more opportunities for learning and development, for both young and older people.
