MeitY constitutes task force to improve internet connectivity in Karnataka

There were numerous requests to improve speed and access to internet connectivity in parts of each district

The Union Ministry of IT has constituted a task force to improve internet connectivity in Karnataka districts.

During the recent six district Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Karnataka by Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, there were numerous requests to improve speed and access to internet connectivity in some parts of each district.

"The Minister had promised a MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology) taskforce would be sent to study the same in each district. In response to this commitment, a MeitY task force consisting of officers of National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has swiftly commenced their visit and work," a release from the Ministry said.

The task force officials would visit each district and meet people. "They will also visit state government officials and submit a report to the Minister," the release added.

Separately, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has also requested the Centre to allow setting up of Karnataka Optical Fiber Network (KOFN) and bear the total cost of Rs 4,300 crore.

During his meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday, the CM said 25,000 government offices and institutions in Karnataka are facing internet connectivity problems.

The previous chief minister had also flagged concerns about the state facing huge challenges in providing reliable government-to-government (G2G) and government to consumers (G2C) services due to the limitations of Karnataka State Wide Area Network (KSWAN). "I have requested the minister to increase the network and broadband to the state," Bommai told reporters.

Bommai asserted that there is a need to set up KOFN as the Centre's BharatNet project has limited reach and availability.

Seeking the Centre's support for the proposed KOFN, Bommai requested the Union Minister to bear the project cost of Rs 4,300 crore which includes maintenance of the network for 15 years.

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