NEC Corporation India and NEC Corporation has successfully completed the construction of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Cable (KLI), a major project under the Government of India’s ‘Digital India’ mission to improve digital connectivity in Southern India.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the flagship optical submarine cable system, which connects Kochi to 11 Lakshadweep islands across 1,870 kilometers.
The project was implemented by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a government-owned telecommunications operator, with funding from the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications.
BSNL awarded the project to NEC India in September 2021, which finished it ahead of schedule in June 2023. The submarine cable system provides improved voice and data communication for the region with an initial capacity of 2x100 Gbps, extendable to 1,600 Gbps per fiber pair.
Improving Connectivity in India
Aalok Kumar, Corporate Officer & Senior VP, Head of the Global Smart City Business at NEC Corporation, and President & CEO of NEC Corporation India, took pride in NEC’s contribution to the improvement of connectivity in India.
“This initiative not only puts Lakshadweep on the digital map, it also galvanizes the socio-economic growth of the region. With a forward-looking data capacity and a focus on connecting people globally, we’re proud to facilitate comprehensive internet connectivity for the islands, aligning with the Digital India Mission and fostering opportunities in e-governance and digital empowerment across the region,” said Kumar.
Furthermore, NEC's Managing Director, Submarine Network Division, Atsushi Kuwahara, emphasized the company's dedication to connecting and empowering communities with cutting-edge technology such as this optical submarine cable system.
“We would also like to thank USOF (DOT), BSNL, the Indian government agencies and especially the people of the Lakshadweep Islands for welcoming this project and helping to bring it to completion," he added.
The KLI project showcases NEC's commitment to bridging the gap in digital connectivity through pioneering innovations. NEC is a leading global submarine cable system vendor with over 60 years of experience in manufacturing submarine cables, repeaters, and terminal station equipment.
