K-FON eyes annual revenue of Rs 100 Cr, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON), latest news, kerala news,

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON), a flagship project of the Kerala State Government, aims to become self-sustainable after meeting its financial obligations, according to its media release.

The entity attributes its present successful pursuit to a well-executed plan, from initial project costing to comprehensive implementation with regular assessments.

Initially budgeted at Rs. 1,482 crore, the project now operates at Rs. 791.29 crore. It became operational with funds from KIIFB, the State Government, and the Central Government.

K-FON aims for sustainable success through internet leased lines, dark fiber leasing, household and government connections. 96 pecent of the cable laying is complete, with operational Network Operating Centre (NOC) and Points of Presence (POP).

With the National Long Distance (NLD) license, K-FON offers various services, expecting Rs. 100 crore annually. It has provided internet lease line connections to 34 applicants out of 200.

K-FON could lease 10 to 14 core fibres surplus to its use of the 48F OPGW/ADSS fibre laid for the network. This provides another revenue stream to K-FON. Around 4,300 kilometre dark fibres have been leased to various companies in this manner. The goal is to hit the 10,000 kilometre landmark by September 2024 fetching an anticipated revenue of Rs. 50 crore. Technical facilities for household connections are in place, with 5,388 connections issued and more underway.

K-FON plans to provide internet to 30,438 government offices, with 28,634 already connected. Right of Way disputes hinder completion, the media release noted. Revenue of Rs. 200 crore is expected upon completion.

The State Government mandated K-FON as the primary connection for government offices, promising timely bill payments based on usage.

Works are ongoing to connect economically backward households. Free connections with 15 mbps speed are available to 5,734 households, with Kerala Vision covering 7,000.

Operating and maintenance costs are Rs 15 crore per month, including payments to BEL, KIIFB loan repayment, bandwidth charges, electricity, administrative expenses, and DoT charges. K-FON aims to cover these through commercial activities, aiming to become a profitable PSU, the media release added.