Vodafone Fiji $210 million investment in network expansion and modernisation project is expected to wrapped up in the next two weeks.

This project was started the last 18 months.

Vodafone Fiji acting chief executive officer, Ronald Prasad, announced this during a press conference at the Vodafone head office in Tamavua yesterday.

Mr Prasad said this project was to have concluded by April, however there were some delays as a result of COVID-19 and unfavorable weather conditions.

“We are glad to announce that this project is now on the final leg of completion,” Mr Prasad said.

Vodafone sites

Mr Prasad said they have added 147 Vodafone new sites, bringing their total to 540 sites.

“We have upgraded 100 sites from 3G to 4G, bringing our 4G coverage to 85 per cent of the Fiji’s population.

“That’s almost three times that of any other provider in Fiji.”

He said with this investment, they now cover 96 per cent of Fiji’s population.

“We have also increased smartphone penetration on our network to 85 per cent.

“This is a significant achievement by any standards and from a technology point of view, Fiji ranks second to none in the region.”

New data plan

On Fiji 50th independence Vodafone is introducing a $50 4G Smartphone for all its new customers to access data services.

Mr Prasad said this was the cheapest ever price for a 4G smartphone in Fiji, and is heavily subsidised to assist new customers to access data services and the internet.

“The smartphone will come with a free Vodafone SIM with 50GB free data for new customers to get connected and enjoy our upgraded network.

“We have revised our entire suite of data packages with increases ranging from 10 to 15 per cent, on smaller plans up to 400 per cent on larger plans.

“This is to ensure there is greater freedom of choice for our customers, depending on their level of affordability and appetite.

“This offer is not on any one plan only, but across all our entire mobile internet and broadband range, including our postpaid and business plans.”

Independence Day

Vodafone Fiji is also giving away a total of $50,000 in cash to 10 lucky winners.

This is through a text and win competition to be drawn on the Independence Day weekend.

“Not only that, every 50th text entry will automatically win $50 cash, which will be deposited into the customer’s M-Paisa account,” Mr Prasad said.

He said through their Foundation, over the last 17 years, they have invested over $30m in various social initiatives.

In recognition of Fiji’s 50th Independence, and to mark the World Suicide Prevention day, Vodafone is handing over $150,000 to various charities, and partner organisations, to help continue the good work they are doing in our communities.

Meanwhile, in the next few days Vodafone will also be announcing further details on a special promotion where customers can win $500 cash daily and the grand winner will take away a brand-new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj