Vodafone Fiji: Customers, Expect More Efficient High Speed Internet Services
Vodafone Fiji users around Fiji will expect a more efficient high speed internet services.
This was after the announcement of its $207 million capital investment on its network infrastructure at the Vodafone headquarters in Suva.
4G plus network
Vodafone Fiji Regional chief executive officer Pradeep Lal said: “At present 4G network covers 60 per cent of the population.”
Adding that the mobile network will further expand to 96 per cent of the population.
Mr Lal said with the increase of data usage over the past two years by 400 per cent, it has become ubiquitous for Vodafone to provide 24/7 access of data.
He stated over the years there has been a significant shift of user behavior for data.
“This is a result of high penetration (78 per cent) of smart phone in Fiji compared to global benchmark of 75 per cent,” he said.
“This shift has pushed the data usage through the roof.
“We are expecting an 80 per cent increase of smart phones by the end of this financial year.”
Mr Lal added of the $207m investment, the company’s base stations are expected to increase by 600, which current stands at approximately 450 stations.
As announced by Vodafone last year, significant progress has been made on the upgrade works of its two main data centres in Suva and Lautoka.
Pre-5G network
Mr Lal stated that the newly introduced pre-5G network will service over 50 per cent of the Fijian population upon completion of the upgrade.
He added the billings plans will remain the same with this new net- work programme.
“This means customers will get high speed mobile broadband, access to high speed broadband and new applications,” Mr Lal said.
“We are preparing to offer high speed mobile connectivity as the volume of data exchanged.”
Savusavu Submarine Fibre Project
Mr Lal revealed that the Savusavu Sub marine Fibre project is expected to be completed next month or early May.
“The completion of the Savusavu Project has brought in reliable high speed connectivity to Vanua Levu region,” he said.
Moreover he said with high speed internet being made available in Taveuni, Rabi and Laucala, a major expansion on 4G+ network coverage is currently happening in Seaqaqa to Nabouwalu corridor.
He added people in Dreketi, Nabouwau and Bua areas will have access to 4G internet service. o a day by the pool or at the beach.
Phased Rollout Programme
– Upgrade 3G Base Stations
100 Existing number G base stations will be converted
to 4G+ base stations. 40 per cent of the 3G base stations have already been upgraded to 4G+/ Pre 5G and customers are already enjoying improved speeds and coverage in these areas. The entire upgrade will be completed by end of March.
– 23 Highway Base Stations
Construction has started and this will allow for seamless coverage on the Queens and Kings highways for customers. This will provide further opportunities for eco and adventure tourism as tourists will be able to share and load pictures of their experiences in real time.
– 144 New 4G+/Pre-5G stations
Work has already started on 144 completely new 4G+/Pre-5G base stations for expanded capacity and coverage across Fiji
n$60 million for rural, remote
A significant portion ($60m) of the total investment is geared towards providing high speed internet services in rural and remote areas including islands. Source: Vodafone Fiji
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