SOFC will ensure paradigm shift in communication infrastructure on the 11 islands
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, inaugurated Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection (KLI-SOFC) project among various developmental projects worth more than Rs 1,150 crore covering a wide range of sectors including technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education.
“The KLI-SOFC will improve facilities like government services, medical treatment, education and digital banking. The potential of developing Lakshadweep as a logistics hub will get strength from this,” he said at the dedication ceremony on 3 Jan.
It will ensure 100 times faster Internet for the people of Lakshadweep, he assured.
For the first time since independence, Lakshadweep will be connected through Submarine Optic Fibre Cable which will enable faster and more reliable internet services, telemedicine, e-governance, educational initiatives, digital banking, digital currency usage, digital literacy etc.
“The dedicated submarine OFC will ensure a paradigm shift in communication infrastructure in the 11 Lakshadweep islands.” The islands are: Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Androth, Kiltan, Bangaram and Bitra has been extended.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was the Project Executing Agency and the work was awarded to NEC Corporation India Pvt Ltd through Global Open Tendering process.
Major activities related to the project includes Marine Route Survey, Submarine Cable laying, Civil Construction of CLS stations, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of End Terminals (SLTE).
Highlights of the KLI Project:
Total link distance: 1,868 kilometres.
Total cost of project: Rs.1,072 crore plus taxes.
Benefit of the KLI Project:
The project will play a significant role in achieving the objective of ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission’ and for rolling out of various e-governance projects of Government of India in Lakshadweep Islands.
E-Governance, Tourism, Education, Health, Commerce and Industries will get a boost. It will also help in further improvement in standards of living of the people in Island and will accelerate overall social and economic development in these areas.
Population of Lakshadweep Islands will be provided high speed wireline broadband connectivity.
High speed broadband will be provided through FTTH and 5G/4G Mobile network.
The bandwidth created under this project will be available to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to strengthen their telecom services in the Lakshadweep Islands. Fiinews.com
