Taveuni residents raise alarm over poor network coverage, Vodafone responds

Vodafone Fiji has acknowledged concerns over poor mobile network coverage in parts of Taveuni, saying it is actively monitoring the situation and assessing upgrades as demand on the island increases.

In a statement, the company said it was working to identify network bottlenecks and was continually evaluating capacity and enhancement options to accommodate growing usage.

Vodafone also said it was aware of areas in Taveuni where no mobile service providers currently offer coverage. It said the Government’s universal service obligation initiative was supporting service providers to extend connectivity to remote and maritime areas, including Taveuni.

The company encouraged customers to report network issues through its Customer Care line on 123 to ensure concerns are documented and addressed in a timely manner.

However, residents say poor network reception continues to affect businesses, communities and individuals who rely on internet connectivity for work, education and essential services.

Taveuni resident Marisiale Talemaisuva said communication services had deteriorated in the Vacala, Matei, Naselesele to Wiwi corridor and other parts of the island.

“For a long time, residents and businesses in these areas have struggled with poor data signals,” Ms Talemaisuva said.

“Internet connectivity is either non-existent or too slow to be functional for work, education or banking.”

She said voice calls were also unreliable.

“Most of the time, calls are distorted or choppy, and we cannot understand what is being said,” she said.

“We are in an electronic era where connectivity is the backbone of our daily lives. We pay the same rates for data and voice plans as those in urban areas, yet we are receiving a substandard service. Rural and maritime communities should not be left behind in Fiji’s digital transformation.”

Another resident, Abhishek Sapra, said poor connectivity continued to affect families and businesses across the island, particularly in southern areas.

“The data is not only slow, but calls and transactions are also poor,” Mr Sapra said.

He said residents had lodged several complaints with Vodafone Fiji and had written a formal letter to the Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua.

Mr Sapra said many residents were unable to make or receive phone calls unless they travelled to areas with limited connectivity.

“But we receive more than 50 to 60 text messages from Vodafone about deals and advertisements, which fill up our inboxes and take up unnecessary space,” he said.