In-principle approval given to providing internet facilities in tribal areas for online classes: Kerala CM

PTI Updated - September 16, 2021 at 10:08 AM.

No charges will be levied by authorities to extend infrastructure

Kochi/Kerala,01/06/2021.Teachers at the Govt Girls LP School, Ernakulam interacting with their students through mobile phone on Tuesday as hundreds of children across Kerala began their new academic year online in view of the pandemic crisis. Several students continue to face internet connectivity issues and lack of smart gadgets to access the online sessions. Photo:H VIBHU.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said in-principle approval has been given by the cabinet to the proposal to provide internet connectivity in tribal areas so children there can attend online classes.

Vijayan told a press conference that to facilitate internet connectivity, land will be given on lease to set up telecom towers.

VSAT technology

He also said in areas where towers cannot be put up or cables cannot be laid, internet facilities will be provided via very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) technology.

VSAT is a is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna used for narrow band and broadband data transmission and communications.

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The CM also said that when internet cables are extended to tribal areas using infrastructure, like poles and other structures, of KSEB, PWD or local bodies, no charges would be levied by these authorities.

Published on September 16, 2021 04:18