The Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) has shortlisted six internet service providers to provide internet connection to 14,000 below the poverty line (BPL) families and 30,000 government offices in the State. KFON is waiting for Internet Service Provider (ISP) license from the Department of Telecommunications to go ahead with its plan to provide the first phase of connections by June end.
Santhosh Babu, Managing Director, KFON told The Hindu that the companies have quoted very good prices per connection. The State government will be footing this bill as part of its project to provide free internet connections to BPL families.
"Eight companies responded to our call and six of them have now qualified. The government had earlier instructed to go ahead with the connections once we secure an ISP license. We have applied for the same. The process is expected to be completed in the next few days. The company which has quoted the lowest amount is ready to provide connections in almost all areas, as their pricing is based on volumes. We need to see whether there are areas which are difficult to provide connections for some service providers," said Mr.Babu.
