OFC reaches Andaman through undersea cables
The Andaman-Nicobar Islands are famous all over the world for palm trees, beautiful white sand beaches and tropical rain forests. Nestled in the lap of nature, this island attracts everyone. Recently, the Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi handed over the Submarine Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) to Andaman and Nicobar. This fiber cable is laid under the sea from Chennai to Port Blair. Apart from Port Blair, it will also be extended to Swaraj Island, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamarota, Great Nicobar, Long Island, Rangat, 6 other islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing high speed internet to the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Improvement in living standards and new employment opportunities
On 30 December 2018, PM Narendra Modi launched the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Islands Project (CANI). Under this project, 2,312 km of optical fiber cable has been laid under the sea. It has cost about Rs 1,224 crore. After the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that OFC connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will give a boost to 4G mobile services on these islands. This will promote digital services such as tele-education, telehealth, e-governance services and tourism on the islands. He said that good connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands would improve the quality of life and education of the people and create employment opportunities. PM Modi said that better net connectivity has become the first priority of any tourist destination today. Better connectivity in the region will create many opportunities in the field of tourism.
Cable laid in less than 24 months
The project was executed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), while Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL) was the technical consultant. The cable laying was done by BSNL in a record time of less than 24 months. Being the first of its kind project in India, BSNL stated that submarine optical fiber cabling work to ensure quality has been completed as per global specifications.
