Kottayam: In a revolutionary technological leap, the Submarine Optical Fiber Connection has arrived in Lakshadweep, seamlessly linking all islands with a high-speed, reliable network. The Kochi-Lakshadweep Island Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC), which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated recently, is set to benefit the tourism sector the most.
By setting up the Submarine Optical Fiber Network, the mobile internet service in the islands has shifted from satellite to optical fiber mode. The islands will now get the same internet speed that the mainland area enjoys. Submarine cables having a length of 1944 kms, that start from Kochi, surround 11 islands, and then end in Kochi, have been laid. The landing point is near Kuzhippilli Beach in Kochi. Islands like Bengaram, which are implementing multiple tourism projects, will hugely benefit from this high-speed network.
BSNL is implementing the Rs 1150-crore project, which comes through the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund of the Department of Telecom. Lakshadweep comes under the Ernakulam Business Area. BSNL is expecting more revenue in tandem with the high speed and increased internet use on the island. Over 6500 FTTH connections have been provided to houses. The business connections are apart from these.