Fijians newly connected to the internet through Government’s Universal Service Connecting the Unconnected Programme consumed 49 terabytes of data in July alone, Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament last week.
Mr Naivalurua said the level of usage demonstrated the strong demand for internet connectivity in previously underserved rural and maritime communities.
“Mr Speaker, 49 terabytes is huge,” he said.
“It is enough to stream high-definition videos non-stop, 24 hours a day, for over 680 days, without ever switching it off.”
He said people in Lomaiviti, Namosi, Navosa and Lau accounted for the 49 terabytes of data consumption during July, while network availability stood at 95.6 per cent despite most sites operating on solar power.
“The appetite for this newfound connectivity has been extraordinary,” Mr Naivalurua said.
He told Parliament that 90 communities in Lau, Lomaiviti, Namosi, Navosa and Kadavu had gained connectivity over the past seven months, benefiting more than 8200 Fijians.
This represents 75 per cent completion of the first phase of the programme.
Mr Naivalurua said Telecom Fiji Limited had connected 29 areas across Lomaiviti, Namosi and Navosa, benefiting almost 2834 people.
Digicel had connected 32 areas across Lau, benefiting nearly 3167 Fijians, while Vodafone had connected 39 areas in Kadavu, benefiting around 2281 people.
The remaining 26 communities include areas in Tailevu, with 25 sites expected to be completed by the end of this month and the final area by September.
Mr Naivalurua said the high data consumption showed previously unconnected communities were embracing opportunities to learn, conduct business and communicate with family and friends.
“This shows the pent-up demand of our unconnected people finally being met by this Government,” he said.
He also added a lighter remark about the surge in internet use.
“I only hope they are all watching the good stuff, especially for my friends from Lomaiviti.”
