Thiruvananthapuram: As the number of employees working from home increased in the state, the internet usage also showed a steep rise. For the past few days, internet consumption increased upto 20 - 30 percent for most service providers. Meanwhile, the network capacity of most service providers were not completely utilised. Only one service provder's network capacity is used upto 90 percent in the state.

The government had already assumed that the internet usage will multiply when the restrictions to prevent coronavirus spreading are imposed. Following this, the IT department held discussions with various service providers. Their representatives assured the government that they are prepared to face the emergency situation.

The service providers have also said that they can increase the network capacity by 30-40 percent, if necessary. However, the IT department officials said that the present situation can be tackled with the available facilities. One of the private service providers has increased 30 percent of their total network capacity.