Fiji Partners with Google in Landmark Digital Leap

Natadola ICT facility set to transform Pacific connectivity and economy.

Sunday 01 December 2024 | 22:58

From left: Google vice-president of Network Infrastructure Brian Quigley; Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Akariva Nasemira, Jaji Nasavuli, and Fiji National Provident Fund's Naibuka Saune. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

From left: Google vice-president of Network Infrastructure Brian Quigley; Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Akariva Nasemira, Jaji Nasavuli, and Fiji National Provident Fund's Naibuka Saune. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has hailed Fiji's partnership with Google as a "milestone for technology and a giant leap forward in the digital econo­my" for Fiji and the Pacific.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremo­ny for Google's multi-million-dollar ICT facility in Natadola, Nadroga, on Saturday, Mr Rabuka highlighted the transformative potential of the project, scheduled for com­pletion in late 2026.

"This infrastructure will position Fiji as a hub for digital connectivity in the Pacific," he said.

"The facility will house Viti Levu's second cable landing station, enhancing internet resilience and supporting Fiji's transition to a digital economy. It's an investment in connectivity, people, and progress."

The facility will accommodate state-of­the-art data servers, power systems, and a new cable landing station to support inter­national fibre-optic cables connecting Fiji to global hubs, including Los Angeles.

Google's vice-president of Network In­frastructure, Brian Quigley, described the facility as a beacon of innovation and eco­nomic resilience for the Pacific.

"This project will help bridge the digital divide and advance our mission to make the world's information universally acces­sible," he said.

The facility's impact extends beyond technology. According to the Access Part­nership report, the project is expected to create more than 3600 jobs and contribute $574 million (USD$250 million) to Fiji's GDP by 2030.

It will also boost Fiji's Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Pro­cess Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, as well as healthcare, tourism, and education.

Mr Rabuka added: "Google's investment shows that Fiji is open for business and poised to become a hub for innovation, en­trepreneurship, and global trade."

Additionally, Google plans to leverage its AI capabilities to address climate challeng­es, including using its Flood Hub tool to predict floods up to seven days in advance, helping governments and communities prepare.

Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) chief investment officer Naibuka Saune called the partnership a catalytic invest­ment for the nation's ICT sector.

Feedback: waisea@fijisun.com.fj



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