55,000 km optical fibre network to boost connectivity: Minister

Manikandan, in his reply to the House on demand on grants of IT Department, said, “Nearly, 55,000 kilometers of optical fibre network will be implemented under BharatNet and TamilNet projects which will ensure at least 1 GB per second connectivity to each of the 12,524 village panchayats, 528 town panchayats, 121 municipalities and 15 corporations. The scheme will ensure end-to-end connectivity.”

He also said that the state had entered into an MoU with BSNL to provide end-to-end connectivity. “The internet connectivity will ensure voice, data and video connectivity across the state, including all government departments which will be implemented by Tamil Nadu State Wide Area Network (TNSWAN),” saidManikandan.

The Minister further said that Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd (TACTV) is involved in the process of providing internet connectivity to rural areas in the state. “The state government has accorded administrative sanction for provision of free internet facility to 366 government higher secondary schools in educationally backward blocks at an estimated cost of Rs 9.06 crore and released financial sanction of Rs 1.23 crore for implementing it in 50 government schools through TACTV.”

In addition to the existing three monthly packages of TACTV, two more additional packages have been introduced. The two packages, named ‘Village Package’ and ‘Tamil Package’ has reduced channels when compared to the existing packages and the rates were also less.

In the ‘Village Package’ a total of 154 channels are provided, including 142 free channels and in ‘Tamil Package’ a total of 170 channels are provided, including 142 free channels. While the former is priced at Rs 170 plus tax, the latter is priced at Rs 180 plus tax.

The Minister said that more than 10 lakh subscribers are into any one of three existing packages and apart from them there are 16,51,471 subscribers who have opted for a-la-carte channels.