Apps like Viber, Skype and WhatsApp are now being noted as a threat to telecommunications industry in Fiji and around the world.

This was highlighted by the Telecom Fiji, chief executive (CEO), Mothilal De Silva, in an interview with the Fiji Sun.

He said Skype was one of the top voice and messaging service and in a way it can be considered as a threat to telecommunications industry.

“But this is the reality we have to face,” Mr De Silva said.

“So we have to find ways to overcome the threat posed by over the top services not only Skype but WhatsApp and Viber.”

Mr De Silva confirmed they are introducing a similar service “Talanoa” which is being tested by a few customers.

“This again is a similar application so we will be adapting this application to suit the Fijian and the Pacific Market,” he said.

“With the 4G and with the other high speed broadband services, we will be introducing it to the customers who are subscribing for these services in future,” Mr De Silva said.

New services

Mr De Silva emphasised speed is also very important and this is a challenge again as they have to introduce new services continuously.

He went further to say that TFL may even have to partner in some ways with the over the top (OTT) providers and do some revenue share arrangements.

“We will be signing some agreements with some of the content providers very soon,” he said.

“Now we are doing streaming but we lack content, so we will be signing with the top content provider.

“This is the way to go rather than competing with them head on. We may even have to partner with them.”

He added, however, Talanoa is a competing application for Skype and other things.

Mr De Silva said they like this competition, and have to accept this upfront.

“It makes our life more challenging,” he added.

“Otherwise it becomes boring so now we have to be more dynamic, aggressive and find more business models, partnering with them.

Wifi coverage around Fiji

Currently, Connect, a TFL subsidiary, has rolled out over 200 hotspots in the main cities.

The main populated corridors like Suva and Nausori, Lami to Lautoka and Nadi but most of the hotspots are in Suva area.

Population wise, in these corridors, nearly 60-70 per cent of the total population lives here but Mr De Silva said they go to places like Labasa, Savusavu and Taveuni.

Satellite upgrade

Mr De Silva added they will also use other technologies like satellite to reach outer areas.

“We are upgrading satellite, but the speed is less but we are upgrading it,” he said.

“We have Satellite Service providers and we are providing services in remote Islands like Koro Island.

“The speed is not enough and we are trying to upgrade and provide better services for the people in the outskirts.”

EDITED BY: RACHNA LAL

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