Kerala KFON Scheme 2024: Free Internet Connection Registration

Category: Kerala » by: Jaswant Gandash » Update: 2024-11-13

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network Scheme (KFON), a key initiative launched by the Kerala government on June 5, originated during the first term of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala, as the first Indian state to recognize internet access as a fundamental right, aims to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed broadband internet to all homes and government institutions through KFON. This initiative also seeks to enhance e-governance and accelerate Kerala's shift towards a knowledge-driven economy. Read below for detailed information on the Kerala KFON Scheme.

kerala kfon scheme

About Kerala KFON Scheme 2024

The Kerala KFON Scheme 2024 is set up primarily as an infrastructure provider, offering a comprehensive optical fiber cable network that spans 30,000 km across the state with 375 points of presence. This network is designed to be accessible to both cable operators and other service providers, enabling them to utilize KFON’s infrastructure. While KFON will handle the cabling needs for government offices, individuals will need to connect to the network through private or local internet service providers.

The project also aligns with Kerala Vision Broadband, an initiative of cable TV providers, which delivers internet services in several regions. Private service providers can benefit from the KFON network by integrating it with their existing infrastructure, thereby expanding their reach. Additionally, local ISPs, telecom service providers (TSPs), and cable TV operators will facilitate internet connectivity to households, leveraging the KFON infrastructure.

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Details of Kerala Fibre Optical Network Scheme

Scheme NameKerala KFON Scheme
Full NameKerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON)
Introduced byGovernment of Kerala
Introduced onMonday, June 5, 2023
StateKerala
BenefitsHigh-speed broadband internet access to every home and government building
Official Websitehttps://kfon.kerala.gov.in/

KFON Scheme 2025 Objective

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) Scheme, initiated by the CPI (M)-led government, is part of an alternative development approach aimed at enhancing public sector presence in the telecom industry, which is largely dominated by private enterprises. The scheme highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable digital infrastructure across Kerala, particularly in underserved rural areas where existing telecom companies (TELCOs) have limited infrastructure and low-capacity wireless networks.

Private TELCOs have shown little interest in expanding broadband infrastructure in rural regions, as they see minimal commercial potential. To address these gaps, KFON aims to extend high-speed broadband access to both urban and rural areas, offering a public alternative to private providers.

Moreover, the existing Kerala State Wide Area Network (KSWAN), which connects government offices, currently serves only 3,800 buildings, limiting connectivity. Recognizing the need for a more robust and expansive network, the government launched KFON in 2017 to establish a reliable, interoperable, secure, and efficient infrastructure for broad-based digital access and effective service delivery.

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Benefits of KFON

KFON will complement the existing telecom ecosystem in the state and will act as the perfect catalyst positioning Kerala as a Gigabit Economy. The following are some of the multiple benefits to be realized across the board.

  • Bridge the digital divide by making internet access a basic right to citizens and enable the state government’s vision to provide free internet access to economically backward households.
  • Deliver e-Governance to citizens through TSPs/ISPs/Cable operators by leveraging this network.
  • Provide affordable and better broadband connectivity to households by the TSPs/ISPs/Cable operators due to a competitive market by leveraging this network.
  • Boose economic growth by providing digital infrastructure support for local enterprises and SMEs and promoting Electronics and IT industry.

Human capital development

  • Deliver remote education
  • Create job opportunities
  • Enhance skills
  • Prove remote healthcare access

Infrastructure development

  • Smart cities/ smart grids
  • Transportation management
  • Community Connect – Smart Village

Infotainment

  • Sharing information and best practices (financial services, e-governance, agricultural techniques)
  • Entertainment (IPTV, OTT, etc.)
  • Innovation
  • Creating connected communities (researchers, product development, anytime anywhere/ anytime collaboration)

Kerala KFON Scheme Coverage 

In the initial phase of the Kerala KFON Scheme, the government aims to connect 14,000 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and 30,000 government offices throughout the state. As of June 5, 2023, connectivity has been established in 17,412 government buildings and 2,105 homes, with infrastructure in place to connect an additional 9,000 homes.

KFON promises internet speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps, providing high-speed connectivity across diverse needs. This infrastructure is also expected to enhance mobile call quality significantly. By linking KFON with mobile towers, the scheme will expedite the rollout and quality of 4G and 5G services across Kerala, ensuring widespread, high-quality digital access.

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Stakeholders of Scheme

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) project, valued at Rs 1,611 crore, is a collaborative effort between the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL). Announced in 2017, the project began in 2019 with a planned completion in 2021.

The project’s implementation is led by a consortium managed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), with consulting support from PricewaterhouseCoopers. While the infrastructure assets will be owned by KSEB, KSITIL will oversee project operations and maintenance. BEL, serving as the system integrator, is responsible for laying the optical fiber network, establishing network points of presence, and providing connectivity to government facilities. BEL will also manage the project’s operations and maintenance for a seven-year period.

Services Offered

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) Scheme aims to establish a comprehensive "information highway" with a core network infrastructure that offers open access to all service providers. This secure, reliable, and scalable intranet will interconnect government agencies, educational institutions, and other essential public sectors.

The primary services provided by KFON include:

  • Connectivity for Government Buildings: High-speed, secure connections to enable efficient service delivery across public offices.
  • Leasing of Dark Fibre: Allows service providers to utilize unused optical fiber to extend their networks.
  • Internet Leased Lines: Dedicated high-speed internet access for organizations with extensive data requirements.
  • Fiber to the Home (FTTH): High-speed broadband for residential users, offering scalable internet solutions.
  • WiFi Hotspots: Public access points across Kerala for easy internet access.
  • Colocation Services: Space in Network Operation Centers (NOCs) for hosting network assets.
  • Over-the-Top (OTT) Services: Streaming and other internet-based services.
  • Cloud Hosting: Secure cloud storage and hosting solutions for data and applications.

KFON has acquired the Infrastructure Provider (Category 1) and Internet Service Provider (Category B) licenses from the Union Department of Telecommunications, granting it the ability to construct and manage an optic fiber network. The IP license enables KFON to access dark fiber, optic lines, towers, duct space, and other necessary infrastructure components, strengthening the foundation for Kerala's digital connectivity.

Kerala KFON Scheme Benefits to the Underprivileged

A core objective of the Kerala KFON Scheme is to bridge the digital divide by providing internet access to underserved populations. The government has committed to offering free high-speed internet connections to up to 20 lakh families living below the poverty line (BPL). In the initial phase, 14,000 BPL families will benefit from free internet access, allowing them to participate more fully in the digital economy and access essential services online.

Under the program, 100 BPL households will be selected from each of the 140 Assembly constituencies across Kerala. This targeted approach ensures that every district benefits, promoting digital inclusion and enhancing educational and economic opportunities for low-income families.

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Steps to Register on Kerala KFON Scheme Portal

To register on the Kerala KFON Scheme portal, follow these steps:

Kerala KFON Scheme Portal

  • Click on the "Click here for register" link.
  • A new registration page will open.
  • Under the "Apply Online" section, you will see three options:

  1. Retail Enquiry
  2. Distributor/Franchisee
  3. Corporate (B2B)

  • Select the option that matches your requirements.
  • The registration form will appear on your screen.
  • Fill in the form with all necessary details, including your name, mobile number, email address, address, pin code, etc.
  • Once completed, click on the "Submit" button to finish the registration process.

Kerala KFON Scheme Contact Details

For further details or in case of any query or complaint related to the Kerala KFON Scheme, feel free to contact on the below-given details:

Kerala Fibre Optic Network Limited

2nd Floor, Jeevan Prakash, LIC Building

Pattom P.O, Trivandrum- 695004

Head Office number: 0471 6630830

Toll-free number: 1800-570-4466

Summary of Kerala KFON Scheme 2025

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) Scheme, launched by the Kerala government, aims to provide high-speed broadband to every home and government office in the state. With a 30,000 km optical fiber network, it seeks to bridge the digital divide, offering internet access to underserved areas, especially Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme supports e-governance, economic growth, and digital inclusion, providing services like fiber-to-home, Wi-Fi hotspots, and cloud hosting. KFON is set to enhance Kerala's digital infrastructure.

What is the Kerala KFON Scheme?

Kerala

The Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) is a state government initiative aimed at providing high-speed broadband connectivity to all homes and government institutions in Kerala.

When was the KFON Scheme launched?

Kerala

The scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, by the Kerala government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Who are the stakeholders involved in the KFON project?

Kerala

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are the key stakeholders in the project.

What is the coverage of the KFON Scheme?

Kerala

KFON aims to connect 14,000 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and 30,000 government offices across Kerala in the initial phase.

What are the benefits of the Kerala KFON Scheme?

Kerala

KFON aims to bridge the digital divide, provide affordable internet, support e-governance, and boost economic growth, especially in rural and underserved areas.

What services are offered under the KFON Scheme?

Kerala

The scheme offers services like Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Wi-Fi hotspots, dark fiber leasing, internet leased lines, cloud hosting, and OTT services.

Who can benefit from the KFON Scheme?

Kerala

The scheme is aimed at providing free internet access to BPL families, enhancing government connectivity, and offering affordable broadband services to households through private ISPs.

How will the KFON Scheme help economically backward families?

Kerala

The scheme will provide free high-speed internet access to 20 lakh economically backward families, helping them access educational, healthcare, and other essential services online.

How can I register for the Kerala KFON Scheme?

Kerala

You can register for the KFON Scheme by visiting the official website at kfon.kerala.gov.in and filling in the required details for retail, distributor, or corporate registration.

What is the target completion of the Kerala KFON Scheme?

Kerala

While the scheme was announced in 2017, it began implementation in 2019, with plans for full rollout in phases. The goal is to expand broadband coverage to all areas, including urban and rural regions of Kerala.

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