Fiji has 95 per cent connectivity through 3G, 4G and 4G+ networks today.
And it also has 100 per cent digital television coverage through terrestrial and satellite means.
And a matter of priority for the Fijian Government, it is now working on progressively connecting the country’s 5 per cent digital divide.
Director General Digital Transformation Tupou Baravilala made these known in her address at the Attorney General’s conference at the Sheraton Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau in Nadi yesterday.
She said international submarine fibre cables were the backbone of global connectivity and Fiji was connected through the Southern Cross Cable Network.
“We have completed the Southern Cross NEXT. The value of this new addition is it has additional bandwidth available to meet the increasing demand,” Ms Baravilala said.
“We also have the submarine fibre cable connection between Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
“To enhance our resilience, the Government has partnered with Google for a ‘tabua’ cable, which will connect Fiji to Australia and the United States.
“There are additional submarine cables within the region as part of this initiative. This partnership will also result in the building of a second cable landing station and a Tier 3 Data Centre.”
Ms Baravilala said new and emerging technology like 5G was being trialled by service providers.
“… We now have low earth orbit satellites or LEOs – such as Starlink – who will be able to provide direct service to customers. All of these efforts have increased meaningful connectivity, decreased latency/delays, increased affordability, enhanced opportunities for digital payments like e-wallets, e-commerce and digital trade and have effectively brought Government services closely to our people through various digitalisation efforts.”
