Tribal Regions Now Connected; First Phase of Digitisation Project Completed

Thiruvananthapuram: The first phase of Kerala Fibre Optic Network’s (KFON) ‘Connecting the Unconnected’ initiative, focused on bringing internet access to tribal settlements, has been successfully completed. In the tribal regions of Chonampara and Valippara in Kottur, Thiruvananthapuram, internet connectivity has now reached 103 houses and two study rooms, opening up new educational and communication possibilities in areas that previously lacked basic digital infrastructure.
The project was made possible through the combined support of local self-governments, the local area development funds of elected representatives, and financial contributions from both public and private sector institutions. South Indian Bank played a major role by funding internet service in Kottur as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. In some of the most interior areas, where accessibility is a major hurdle, fiber cables were laid to ensure uninterrupted, high-speed internet service. The KFON network infrastructure is also open for lease by other service providers, allowing for broader service options in the future.
KFON’s reach is gradually expanding to other parts of the state. In Panthaladikkunnu, Wayanad, more than ten homes are now connected through two Wi-Fi access points using KFON’s direct connection. In Attappady, Palakkad, the project has enabled over 250 commercial internet connections, and 396 household and Anganwadi (childcare centre) connections have also been provided.
Beyond these areas, KFON has extended its free BPL connections to the island of Valanthakkad in Ernakulam district. Efforts are also ongoing to bring services to Ranni, Vadaserikkara, and Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, along with remote and hilly regions of Wayanad and Idukki.
KFON was launched with the objective of bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to internet services across Kerala. Since its inception, it has laid over 31,000 km of optical fiber and established 375 Points of Presence (PoPs) across the state. Currently, it provides connectivity to a wide range of users including households, schools, government offices, hospitals, businesses, and BPL families. The broader goal is to extend internet connectivity to all 4,600 tribal settlements in Kerala.
This connectivity is already creating visible change in tribal communities. Children in remote hamlets who had no access to digital learning are now able to attend online classes and access educational material through smartphones and computers. Villagers are also able to use digital payment services and access government schemes online, reducing their reliance on distant towns for essential services.
KFON’s approach, which integrates state-led infrastructure, CSR funding, and local governance, is now gaining attention from other Indian states. Delegations from states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Sikkim have visited Kerala to study the model for possible replication. The project has also earned national and international recognition, including the ‘Infrastructure Initiative of the Year’ award at the Asian Telecom Awards 2024.
As KFON moves into the next phase, the network is being prepared for expansion into services such as IPTV, OTT streaming, and enterprise-level internet services. With over one lakh connections already in place, Kerala is steadily moving toward its vision of ensuring internet access as a basic right, not a luxury—even in its most isolated tribal settlements.