KFON
Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) has achieved two landmark milestones, positioning it as a major player in India's digital infrastructure landscape. The state-owned broadband network has secured the prestigious ISP-A (Internet Service Provider - Category A) license, authorising it to offer internet services across the country, while simultaneously crossing the one lakh connections mark since its launch in 2023. At a formal ceremony held in June in New Delhi, Dileep Singh Sengar, Under Secretary of the DoT AS Division, handed over the national license certificate to Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Principal Secretary and Managing Director of KFON. The event was also attended by KFON's senior leadership team, including Chief Technology Officer Murali Kishore, Chief Sales Officer Bilstin D. Geo, Chief Financial Officer Prem Kumar G, and Manager Suraj A.
"Securing the ISP-A license represents a major milestone in KFON's journey from a state initiative to a national digital infrastructure provider," said Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.). "This achievement will further energise our efforts to deliver enhanced services across India while maintaining our commitment to high-quality internet access for all."
KFON's success story is reflected in its diverse subscriber base of 1,08,623 connections spanning multiple categories. The network currently serves 68,323 commercial FTTH connections, 23,163 government office connections, 14,180 free connections for economically backward families, and 2,934 fibre-to-office connections. The organisation has set an ambitious target to complete over 2,50,000 connections by next year, more than doubling its current subscriber base.
Beyond residential and commercial services, KFON operates an extensive network serving over 3,500 institutional subscribers through intranet services including MPLS L2VPN, L2VPN, MPLS L3VPN, and FTTH intranet solutions. The network also generates revenue through Internet Lease Line services (220 corporate connections), SME broadband (265 connections), and Dark Fibre leasing (7,000 kilometres already leased).
OTT Platform
KFON is expanding beyond traditional broadband services into the entertainment sector with an ambitious OTT platform currently in the final stages of the tendering phase. This dedicated streaming service is designed to serve Kerala's diverse audience, offering films and focusing on South Indian channels at affordable rates, specifically targeting the common people.
In addition to the OTT platform, KFON is developing an IPTV service and pursuing VNO (Virtual Network Operator) licenses, signalling its ambition to become a full-fledged telecommunication and content service provider. KFON's success is built on Kerala's largest fibre optic network, spanning approximately 31,153 kilometres of completed cable infrastructure. The nerve centre of operations is the Network Operating Centre (NOC) in Kochi Infopark, which distributes services through 375 KSEB substations serving as Points of Presence (POP) across the state. This sophisticated network architecture connects the NOC to an estimated 14 crore POP centres, extending to 94 ring aggregation networks, 186 pre-aggregation ring networks, and 81 spur centres. This infrastructure provides robust connectivity that can support both current subscribers and future expansion into OTT and other value-added services.
Beyond commercial ventures, KFON demonstrates a profound commitment to bridging the digital divide through comprehensive social inclusion initiatives. The network's "Connecting the Unconnected" initiative, supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, aims to eliminate digital inequality in Kerala by providing internet access to remote and tribal areas.
Through this initiative, connections have been established for 103 families in Kottoor and 300 families in Attapadi, two major tribal settlements in Kerala, with plans to extend coverage to other tribal areas across Kerala. KFON has also provided free BPL connections to Valanthakad Island in Ernakulam district, overcoming significant logistical challenges to reach this remote island location. The network ensures that even Kerala's most isolated communities can access online education, government programs, healthcare services, and economic opportunities, making internet connectivity an essential infrastructure for modern participation in society.
With the ISP-A license now secured, KFON is positioned to expand its footprint to other states and collaborate with leading internet service providers to ensure seamless connectivity nationwide. The network already works with 3,800 local network providers, creating a robust ecosystem that positions KFON perfectly for national expansion and OTT service delivery.
How to Connect
Kerala residents can subscribe to KFON connections through multiple convenient channels: Toll-free number: 1800 570 4466, Mobile app: Ente KFON app, Official website: www.kfon.in (click on the 'Register' icon and provide required details)
With a rapidly growing subscriber base and the upcoming launch of its OTT platform, KFON stands as a transformative force in Kerala's digital entertainment landscape and serves as a leading example of successful government-owned internet service provision. Its expanding range of services and continued infrastructure growth position KFON as a major player in India's digital future.
