Bridging Kerala’s digital divide: K-FON to bundle major OTT platforms with low-cost internet

Kochi: The state-run Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) is on track to achieve three lakh internet connections by March 2026, as part of its mission to ensure affordable internet access for all. Currently, the project has reached 1.13 lakh beneficiaries across the state.

So far, connections have been provided to 23,163 government offices and 73,070 households, including 14,194 from economically weaker sections. Additionally, 3,032 enterprise connections have been established. K-FON services have been active in the Secretariat for one and a half years and in the State Assembly for over a year.

According to K-FON Managing Director Dr Santosh Babu, the service has quickly risen to 40th position among the 108 internet service providers in India with more than 10,000 active connections. He made the comments in an interview with Mathrubhumi.

Financial growth and revenue targets

K-FON generated ₹66 crore in revenue during the last financial year, of which ₹34 crore is still pending to receive from various government departments. The company posted an operating profit of approximately ₹20 crore and is now targeting a revenue of ₹175 crore for the current financial year.

Dr Babu noted that K-FON is gaining market traction by offering various low-cost plans, high-speed internet, and attractive offers. The provider is also gearing up to expand its reach to underserved regions under its ‘Connecting the Unconnected’ initiative.

Internet access in tribal regions

K-FON is leveraging its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to extend services to 4,600 tribal settlements across the state, with a target of 70,000 new connections. Already, 500 connections have been set up in tribal belts such as Attappady (Palakkad), Kottoor (Thiruvananthapuram), and Pantaladikunnu (Wayanad).

How to get a K-FON connection

Residents can apply for a connection through the K-FON mobile app EnteKFON, the official website www.kfon.in, or by calling the toll-free number 1800 570 4466. Connections are also available through selected cable TV operators. Plans start at just ₹299.

OTT service to launch within a month

In an effort to attract more customers, K-FON will soon launch an over-the-top (OTT) streaming package.

The bundled service will offer access to 28 OTT platforms and around 350 television channels. Premium platforms such as JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, Amazon Prime Video, and Sun NXT will be included.

Special subscription packages are currently being designed, and the launch is expected within a month.