NEC India Successfully Completes Kochi-Lakshadweep Submarine Cable System, a Landmark Achievement in Digital Connectivity

System spans approximately 1,870 kilometers, ensuring digital connectivity to the remote islands, giving a boost to its economic and social life

NEC Corporation India, in conjunction with NEC Corporation, has officially announced the successful implementation of a cutting-edge optical submarine cable system in Southern India, seamlessly linking Kochi with the Lakshadweep Islands. The Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Cable (KLI), a project initiated under the Government of India's ambitious 'Digital India' Mission, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who unveiled the initiative during his address on India's 74th Independence Day in 2020.

The KLI project, executed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications, represents a significant stride in bolstering digital infrastructure. NEC India was entrusted with the project by BSNL in September 2021 and has successfully completed it ahead of schedule in June 2023, spanning an impressive distance of approximately 1,870 kilometers.

This submarine cable system, boasting an initial capacity of 2x100 Gbps, expandable up to 1,600 Gbps per fibre pair, establishes critical connectivity between Kochi, a key port city in India, and 11 Lakshadweep islands. The strategic placement of this cable system plays a pivotal role in providing robust voice and data connectivity, supporting e-governance initiatives, fostering new business ventures, and facilitating e-commerce facilities.

Aalok Kumar, Corporate Officer & Senior VP at NEC Corporation, expressed pride in NEC's collaboration with the Government of India, emphasizing that the KLI cable project is a landmark moment for NEC. He highlighted the project's role in putting Lakshadweep on the digital map and catalyzing socio-economic growth in the region. Kumar emphasized NEC's commitment to comprehensive internet connectivity aligned with the Digital India Mission.

Atsushi Kuwahara, Managing Director of Submarine Network Division at NEC, expressed honor in participating in another prestigious project, following the success of the optical submarine cable system connecting Chennai and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved, including USOF (DOT), BSNL, and the people of the Lakshadweep Islands.

The KLI project reflects NEC's dedication to connecting the unconnected and empowering communities through advanced technology. As a leading global vendor in the submarine cable system business for over 60 years, NEC has continually evolved its capabilities, now chartering a long-term dedicated cable-laying ship to respond to the growing demand for new submarine cables, driven by the expansion of 5G and increased data traffic between global data centers.