Prime Minister recently inaugurated Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.
About the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project:
- The KLI-SOFC project aims to improve internet speed and connectivity in Lakshadweep islands.
- Lakshadweep is connected through Submarine Optic Fibre Cable (OFC) for the first time since independence.
- It is funded by Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunication.
- Project Executing Agency is Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a central public sector undertaking.
Benefits:
- It will provide high-speed broadband through FTTH (Fibre to the Home) and 5G or 4G Mobile network.
- It is crucial role in achieving the objectives of ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission’.
- It will help facilitate telemedicine, e-governance, digital banking, and digital literacy.
- It will enable educational initiatives, enhancing the overall quality of life.
About the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF):
- The USOF is a government initiative aimed at providing universal access to telecommunication services.
- The fund was established to provide access to telecommunication services in remote and rural areas where it may not be commercially viable for service providers to operate.
- It is managed by the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communication.
- It was established in 2003 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003.
- It implements the National Telecom Policy (NTP) to achieve the objectives outlined in the policy.
- It supports various projects and initiatives to improve telecommunication infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas.
- This may include the installation of telecom towers, laying of optical fiber cables, and other infrastructure development activities.
Funding:
- It is funded through a percentage of the revenue earned by telecom service providers.
- As per the NTP, all telecom operators are required to contribute a percentage of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) to the USOF.
Ref: Source
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