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Kerala’s K-FON Set to Expand Nationwide After Securing ISP-A and NLD Licences

Kerala’s public broadband network, K-FON, is preparing to extend its digital footprint beyond the state after receiving national ISP-A and National Long Distance (NLD) licences,...

Oct 13
2 min read
Kerala’s K-FON Set to Expand Nationwide After Securing ISP-A and NLD Licences

Kerala’s public broadband network, K-FON, is preparing to extend its digital footprint beyond the state after receiving national ISP-A and National Long Distance (NLD) licences, positioning the government-owned venture for a pan-India presence.

Robust Infrastructure Powers Expansion

K-FON already operates over 32,000 km of fibre, including 2,600 km of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cables integrated with 110 kV transmission lines, making it Kerala’s largest digital infrastructure network.

“We currently provide dark fibre to 10 clients and 16 temporary connections for special events. With the new national licences, our next step is to expand outside Kerala,” said Dr Santhosh Babu IAS, K-FON director. He added that meeting turnover criteria for central tenders could be a challenge, which the network plans to overcome through consortiums with private firms.

Subscriber Growth and Social Impact

Since its launch, K-FON has connected 1,26,905 users, including 85,553 paid home subscribers and 14,195 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Additionally, 23,114 government offices now rely on K-FON’s network via Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

“Subscription growth has been phenomenal. Another 14,000 BPL families are waiting for connections, and once funds are released, we can bring them online too,” said Babu.

District-wise Impact of Free Connections:

  • Malappuram: 3,435 families

  • Kollam: 1,453 families

  • Palakkad: 1,296 families

  • Thrissur: 1,219 families

  • Ernakulam: 993 families

  • Kozhikode: 964 families

  • Thiruvananthapuram: 867 families

  • Kannur: 853 families

  • Kasaragod: 583 families

  • Wayanad: 687 families

  • Alappuzha: 581 families

  • Kottayam: 471 families

  • Idukki: 404 families

  • Pathanamthitta: 388 families

Priority has been given to applicants with yellow or pink ration cards.

Financial Performance and Future Plans

K-FON reported a turnover of Rs 66 crore in 2024-25, surpassing its target of Rs 48 crore. The network aims for Rs 250 crore by 2025-26, with plans to begin repaying the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) loan next year.

Babu noted, “To sustain growth momentum, we are launching new projects, including expansion into other states, leveraging our extensive fibre network and experience in managing large-scale broadband operations.”

Broader Significance

K-FON’s national expansion is poised to increase broadband penetration in underserved areas, enhance digital equity, and serve as a model for public-private collaboration in India’s telecom sector. Its scalable infrastructure could also support future initiatives such as smart cities, e-governance, and IoT-based services, boosting Kerala’s and India’s digital economy.