Union cabinet has approved the project to provide Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Connectivity between Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands (KLI Project). The Project enables the provision of a direct communication link through a dedicated submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Kochi and 11 Islands of Lakshadweep viz. Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Agati, Amini, Androth, Minicoy, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan&Kadmat.

The approval for Provision of Submarine Optical Fibre Cable Connectivity will vastly improve telecommunication facility in the Lakshadweep Islands by providing large bandwidth. The project plays an important role for delivery of e-Governance services at the doorstep of citizens, potential development of fisheries, coconut based industries and high-value tourism, educational development in term of tele-education and in health care in terms of telemedicine facilities. It also helps in establishment of numerous businesses, augment e-commerce activities and provide adequate support to educational institutes for knowledge sharing. The island will accumulate potential to become logistics hub.

The project estimated to be completed by May 2023 at a cost of Rs 1072 crore inclusive of 5 year operational expense. Universal Service Obligation Fund is to provide the finance for the project. 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, Department of Telecommunications DoT. USOF will hold the ownership under the DoT. The current island bandwidth availability is limited to 1 Gbps through the satellite service.  Lack of bandwidth is a major constraint in providing data services in the island. 

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