More than 300 new sites and communities across Fiji will be connected to satellite broadband under the next phase of the Government’s digital connectivity program, Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament yesterday.
Speaking during the 2026-2027 National Budget debate, Mr Naivalurua said 50 satellite broadband community Wi-Fi deployments were already operational, providing internet access to remote and underserved communities.
“Fifty satellite broadband community Wi-Fi deployments are currently online, with the aim of connecting remote and underserved communities throughout Fiji,” he said.
“Phase two of this initiative will commence in the upcoming financial year, and will connect over 300 new sites and communities across Fiji.”
He said the continued expansion of 5G services, alongside improved 4G coverage, would further strengthen national connectivity.
“The 5G networks are now available along the Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka corridors, with phase rollout continuing nationwide, as per the network roadmap set by Government.”
He said Government would also continue restructuring its telecentre program, with three new telecentre developments underway and another three planned for Taveuni, Lau and Ra in the new financial year.
However, he warned that greater connectivity also brought increased cybersecurity risks.
“As Fiji becomes more connected, we must also become more secure.”
Mr Naivalurua said Government would invest in national digital resilience, including the development of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT), cyber monitoring tools and stronger cybersecurity frameworks.
He said $13million had been allocated to the ICT portfolio to strengthen national digital infrastructure, improve cybersecurity and protect government systems.
“The investment will improve the resilience of government systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and help protect the digital services upon which our people increasingly depend.”
Mr Naivalurua said Government’s National Operations Centre and Security Operations Centre were now providing 24-hour monitoring of digital infrastructure.
He highlighted key achievements, including the establishment of Fiji’s Computer Emergency Response Team, the National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy 2026-2031, the cybersecurity website, the national privacy and personal data protection policy, and the Digital Fiji Tech platform.
