22-12-2020 | 12:12 PM
Lakshadweep to get optical fibre cable
Context
The Union Cabinet has approved laying of undersea optical fibre cable to connect 11 islands of Lakshadweep with Kochi by May 2023, in order to improve broadband connectivity in the Union Territory.
Key Highlights
The Universal Service Obligation Fund will fund the project.
The project envisages provision of a direct communication link via a dedicated submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Kochi and 11 Islands of Lakshadweep.
Those 11 islands of Lakshadweep are: Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan & Kadmat.
The project is targeted to be completed by May 2023.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has been nominated as Project Execution Agency and Telecommunications Consultant India Ltd. (TCIL) as the Technical Consultant of the Project to assist Universal Service Obligation Fund.
The ownership of the asset under the project will rest with Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), the funding agency, under Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) was established in 2002.
It was given statutory status under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003.
The objective of the USOF was to enabling rural Indians to achieve their fullest potential and participate productively in the development of the nation by virtue of being effectively connected through a reliable and ubiquitous telecommunications network.
Significance
This would help to improve broadband connectivity in the Union Territory.
This would also improve Telecommunication facilities in Lakshadweep by providing large bandwidth.
It will play a vital role for delivery of e-governance services.
It will improve the Potential development of fisheries.
It will also enhance High-value tourism.
It will also enhance Coconut-based industries.
Provides adequate support to educational development and healthcare.
Note: In August 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the submarine cable connectivity to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
