Sole Disputes Connectivity Claim
Sole, an app that helps its users save money through an online platform, also called for subsidised Starlink connectivity to the peri-urban and maritime islands to help take the load off locally-based service providers.
Saturday 09 March 2024 | 00:23
An operator of the Fintech sector has disputed Government claims that national internet connectivity was 95 per cent.
Sole, an app that helps its users save money through an online platform, also called for subsidised Starlink connectivity to the peri-urban and maritime islands to help take the load off locally-based service providers.
“Right now, Starlink users have to personally bring in the kits if they wish to use them,” Semi Tukana, founder of Sole Fintech said.
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“If I want to bring in 10 kits, I would require a licence from Telecommunications Authority of Fiji.”
In Kadavu, which is visible from the capital on a clear day and on Beqa which is visible from mainland Deuba, villagers suffer limited connectivity, Mr Tukana said.
Nairai, in the Lomaiviti Group, suffers the same, he said during his presentation at day two of the inaugural Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Conference in Suva.
“The teachers put money together to hire a boat which they all board to sail out for some internet connectivity,” he said.
“We are told connectivity is 95 per cent coverage, but that can’t be, because most villagers are not connected for our automation of canteens and co-ops.
“We want them to use Sole and other fintech means; no more ledgers.
“We’ll appear before Cabinet soon to address this marginalised communications network.”
Fiji’s rural population is estimated at 300,000.
Starlink - an extension of US tech leader Elon Mask’s SpaceX operation - officially starts its Fiji operations in August.
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