AN estimated 2332 people from 568 households in 30 communities in Kadavu with poor Internet connectivity will benefit from Internet rollout there under the Universal Service Scheme (USS).
This has been made possible with the latest Universal Service Obligation (USO) contract, this one signed between the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) and Vodafone Fiji Limited; and funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF).
Connectivity under the USS program will be delivered through satellite-based managed Wi-Fi services, with each community having access to a shared Wi-Fi centre where residents can purchase and redeem affordable data vouchers.
TAF chair David Eyre said the signing marked an important milestone for Kadavu and a further step forward in Fiji’s national universal service delivery.
“Universal service is about fairness. If a community can’t get online, it is effectively locked out of education resources, health information, markets, and timely disaster updates,” Mr Eyre said. “This partnership with Vodafone Fiji helps close that gap for Kadavu, using solutions designed for remote island conditions and focused on long-term reliability.”
Vodafone Fiji chief executive officer Elenoa Biukoto said the partnership reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting national connectivity goals under the USS.
“This partnership allows Vodafone Fiji to bring dependable, managed connectivity to the people of Kadavu. By providing a resilient and supported network, we are ensuring that students and small businesses have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world,” Ms Biukoto, said in a statement.
This Vodafone Fiji agreement represents TAF’s fourth USO delivery collaboration, following the signing of USO contracts with Digicel Fiji, Telecom Fiji Limited, and Lightspeed Fiji. The sites included under this phase one rollout:
· Naceva (Tikina): Dravuwalu; Jioma; Kadavu; Muanisolo; Nacomoto; Niudua; Soso; Vukavu; Vunisei; Yavitu.
· Nakasaleka (Tikina): Jiliva; Lomanikoro; Matasawalevu; Nakaugasele; Nakaunakoro; Nakoronawa; Namajiu; Nukuvou; Vacalea.
· Yale (Tikina): Gasele; Levuka; Naioti; Nauciwai; Rakiraki.
· Yawe (Tikina): Korovou; Nalotu; Naqalotu; Natokalau; Tawava; Yakita.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua said: “It is good to see Vodafone Fiji join the USO project, as the telecommunications provider with the largest market share in the country, their participation significantly strengthens this national initiative.”
