Residents along Nausori to Korovou will soon be able to have access to high-speed internet.

This is after Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) launched its fibre optic cable replacement project along the Nausori to Korovou corridor yesterday.

Acting Prime Minister, Minister for Rural, Maritime Development, Disaster Management and Minister for Defense, National Security and Policing Inia Seruiratu was the chief guest at the launch.

TFL chief executive officer Charles Goundar had earlier announced their commitment of over $180 million in fibre infrastructure over the next five years to ensure Fiji remains at the forefront of ICT technology.

Minister Seruiratu said the launch complements the concerted efforts of Government in improving infrastructure and growing digital connectivity.

“And indeed to further realise the vision of our National Development Plan for ‘Transforming Fiji’ towards an even more progressive, vibrant and inclusive society.”

“During this pandemic, we have seen an upsurge in the embracing of digital technology and the drive toward communication and economic activity into online spaces.”

“In fact, our data usage saw a 23 per cent surge post-COVID.”

“As part of a strategic, decade-long effort to modernise our economy and develop our telecommunications sector, we have made historic strides in bridging the digital divide in our society.”

“Our access to the Southern Cross Cable fibre optic network to which TFL’s fibre optic network connects to and to which we have connected our two largest islands to provides swift, direct, resilient and safe connectivity.”

“The completion of the Southern Cross Next Cable Network will offer even faster connectivity by the early next year.”

Mr Seruiratu highlighted as connection speeds have increased, the deregulated telecommunications sector has seen data prices nose-dive.

“It costs approximately FJ$1/USD$0.47 for 10 GB of data,” the Acting PM said.

Connectivity
Mr Goundar said in this digital age, remaining connected with families, friends and loved ones has become part and way of life.

“There investments in Fibre provides the backbone network infrastructure which facilitates digital connectivity.”

Mr Goundar said with the Nausori to Korovou fibre project, TFL will support several schools along the Nausori to Korovou with IT equipment.

“This will enable the schools to connect online and foster a digital learning environment.”

“In this age of information and global connectivity, we as a country need to have a robust and future-proof infrastructure that allows us to keep up with the rest of the world and ensure that we as Fijians and our future generations are not left behind,” he said.

Mr Goundar said being a 100 percent local company, TFL believes in investing back into their people.

“We remain committed to empowering all Fijians regardless of their location and background – which our ultra-fast and high capacity fibre technology will enable,” Mr Goundar says.

Mr Seruiratu said underpinned by the high-quality networks of telecommunications like the fibre infrastructure that we are launching today, “we have paved the way for new innovative business-like online food delivery, and online shopping and home delivery, as entrepreneurs find opportunity amidst this pandemic, and other businesses adjust.

“Government as well has used digital technology to navigate this health crisis.”

“Fiji’s COVID-Containment strategy has been remarkably effective by employing a range of digital tools, we are now well into our COVID-Safe economic recovery.”

“These digital tools include the careFIJI contract tracing app, the national Vaccination Registration System, the careFIJI Check-In QR codes and the VAX- Check tool.”

Mr Seruiratu said: “ICT is an integral part of disaster risk reduction and disaster management.

“We are further improving our Emergency Telecommunication strategies and Early Warning Systems, to continue to keep Fijians connected even during cyclones and other natural calamities and to disseminate relevant information and ensure targeted and timely assistance in our disaster preparedness, mitigation response and recovery efforts.

“As we look to 1 December, sustained investments in our ICT infrastructure like this ground-breaking ceremony will be pivotal to maintaining Fiji’s exemplary record of COVID-containment and building confidence among our development partners,” he said.

Mr Seruiratu stressed that more government services have already moved online.

Future Plans
Mr Goundar said TFL was also in the process of rolling out its Fibre-to-the-Home technology into residential and business areas which should cover all key central business areas in major towns and cities over the next three years.

“Over 5000 homes in Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka are Fibre-ready.

“Meaning they are ready to be connected to TFL’s Fibre broadband service in these areas,” he said.

Mr Goundar said fibre expansion into other areas would also enable mobile operators to expand their services into those areas and offer improved services in areas where they might be facing challenges due to limited capacity on their microwave transmission links.

“I am pleased to announce that the underground fibre replacement project between Deuba and Korolevu that we commenced earlier this year is nearing completion,” he said.

The TFL’s fibre-optic cable replacement project will commence today and is expected to complete by next year in February.

Mr Goundar thanked Minister Seruiratu and the government team for being committed to serving the people.

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