Fiji is ranked the third most affordable country globally, following Israel and Italy, when it comes to mobile data pricing.
This data was shared by Trade Ministry director general of cybercrime and communications Tupou’tuah Baravilala at the recent Attorney-General’s Conference.
“It costs, on average, approximately $US0.09/$F0.20 for 1 GB of data in Fiji,” Ms Baravilala said.
“Within the region, Tokelau is the most expensive with $US17.24/$F38.80 for 1 GB of data.
“Globally, the country with the most expensive data price for 1GB is Zimbabwe, where it costs $US43.75. That converts to an astounding $F97.74 for 1 GB of data compared to Fiji’s 20 cents for 1 GB.”
Ms Baravilala said Fiji now had 95 percent connectivity through 3G, 4G and 4G+ networks and 100 per cent digital television coverage through terrestrial and satellite means.
As a matter of priority, she explained that Government continued to work progressively in connecting the five percent digital divide.
She also informed legal professionals that new and emerging technology such as 5G was being trialled by local 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.
“International submarine fibre cables are the backbone of global connectivity and Fiji is connected through the Southern Cross Cable Network and we have completed the Southern Cross next.”
Ms Baravilala said the value of this new addition would have additional bandwidth available to meet the increasing demand.
