FIJI’S international capacity growth on the Southern Cross Cable is astounding with a 27-fold increase expected, from 1GB per seconds in 2009 to a total forecast of 27GB per second in 2018.

Fiji International Communications Ltd (FINTEL) stated in Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) that broadband internet demand growth remains strong as fixed and mobile broadband networks continue to upgrade and improve broadband services as more users get connected to use broadband internet service.

FINTEL aims to continue providing international connectivity and access to broadband internet at the highest levels of speed, quality and reliability.

“Fiji’s natural advantage as a regional hub continues to increase its relevance with the planned landing of the Tui Samoa cable, a cable connecting Samoa to Fiji,” the company said in a report.

This, according to the company is scheduled to be commissioned during the second quarter of next year.

At this point, it said, there was a potential for that cable to also include branching unit to connect Vanua Levu to Viti Levu.

“Negotiations are also in progress with the Office of Post and Telecommunications (OPT), New Caledonia for a diversity cable system, scheduled for 2018.

“FINTEL is currently a strong candidate for OPT New Caledonia to connect to.”

Moreover, FINTEL ensured that Fiji remains well connected, the Southern Cross Cable Network is now exploring options for ensuring the future stability of international sub-sea capacity supply between Australia, New Zealand, and across the South Pacific to North America.

Given that Southern Cross Cable is estimated to reach end of economic life in 2013, Southern Cross Cables Ltd is anticipating future proofing the region with international connectivity well beyond 2030.

Looking forward, FINTEL will continue to strive to strengthen Fiji’s position as the hub of the South Pacific telecommunications network and focal point of regional business activities.

FINTEL recorded an operating profit of $8.8 million compared with $7m recorded in 2015.

Profit before tax, it reported, was $9.5m and profit after tax of 7.5m was recorded.

The total turnover for the year was $16.7m compared with $15m recorded in 2015.

The company highlighted that the positive growth was forecasted to continue with the interconnection of proposed Pacific Island cable system, associated value added services and the demand for international broadband.