Source: TH
Context: The Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) is completing its 1st phase.
About Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON):
| Dimension | Description |
| Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) is a project initiated by the Kerala government to provide free Internet connections to 20 lakh below-poverty-line families and connect 30,000 government institutions in Kerala. | |
| Objective | Bridge the digital divide and ensure universal Internet access |
| Implementation | KFON network is being set up by the Kerala government in collaboration with the Kerala State Electricity Board and the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd. |
| Plan | Each household will receive 1.5 GB of data per day at 15 Mbps speed. |
| Monetization | While the Internet connections for BPL families and government institutions are provided for free, the rest of the network will be monetized, by leasing out a portion of the network for commercial purposes. |
| Controversies | Allegations of corruption and mismanagement, including inflated tender amounts and project delays |
| Significance | KFON project has the potential to bring about positive changes in access, bridge the digital divide, and transform Kerala into Gigabit Economy and opportunities at the grassroots level in Kerala. |
| Kerala’s milestones | Kerala has been declared India’s first fully e-governed state, implementing the e-office system and digital literacy campaigns; In 2019, Kerala announced that Internet connection would be a basic right in the State, becoming the first State in the country to do so |
| United Nation | In 2016, United Nation passed a resolution recognising Internet access as a basic human right. |
