In what is being reported as the first state in the country to do so, Andhra Pradesh is all set to introduce overhead optic fibre cable networks for cable TV and internet connections.

The state, which is planning to use electricity poles for the task says that this has helped the state government save around Rs 3,700 crore, especially at a time when it is going through a severe financial crunch.

While the estimated cost for laying the same length of underground cables is Rs 4,000 crore, the work for the overhead cables only cost Rs 330 crore.

"Many states could not move ahead as they had opted for the underground cable network. But AP has preferred the overhead network, which is affordable," the Times of India quotes a senior official in the Infrastructure Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (INCAP) as saying.

The TOI report also adds that the programme is being taken up under the central government's `Bharat Net' project, which aims at providing high speed internet connection up to 15 mbps to all households at just Rs 150 a month.

Multiple system operators (MSOs) will serve as the mediator between the subscribers and the state government and work has already begun in areas like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.

The entire Rayalaseema and Nellore districts will be covered by June next year, officials added.