Vodafone Planning Bigger ICT Investments in the North

Mr Prasad said Labasa will soon enjoy the same standard of information communication technology (ICT) access and services as Viti Levu.

In the past three years, Vodafone Fiji has invested around $5 million in communication infrastructure in the Northern Division.

This has given the people of the north access to better network services. Vodafone Fiji plans to further construct new reception towers on high mountains throughout Vanua Levu, along with technology upgrades to meet the increasing demand for data.

Vodafone Fiji chief operating officer Ronald Prasad made the reveal during the launch of the festival of the Friendly North at Labasa Civic Centre on Saturday. Mr Prasad said Labasa will soon enjoy the same standard of information communication technology (ICT) access and services as Viti Levu.

“The Tui-Samoa cable network is in the process of extending to Labasa and various parts of the North,” he said. “There is a massive amount of development happening in the North in various sectors.

“This comes after Fiji International Telecommunications Limited (FINTEL), successfully negotiated for the Samoa to Fiji subsea cable Tui Samoa to have a branch into Savusavu. “The main purpose is the Government’s vision of ICT access for all Fijians including broadband access and cheaper costs.” The Tui-Samoa cable network is a 1,400 kilometre cable system that runs from Savaii and Upolu (Samoa), Wallis and Futuna to Savusavu, Suva and the system’s contractors are Alcatel Submarine Network.

They are the same contractors that built the Southern Cross Cable Network which links Fiji with the world.

Fiji’s International Telecommunications Provider (FINTEL) was contracted by Government to manage the cable stations in Vanua Levu (Savusavu) and Viti Levu. Mr Prasad said Vodafone Fiji will continue with their endeavour to enrich peoples’ lives and make a real difference with their products and services. “People in the capital city can now have access to free Wi-Fi internet at Suva’s Ratu Sukuna Park,” Mr Prasad said. “The first of many public locations where people can receive free high speed Wi-Fi for 60 minutes daily.

“The free Wi-Fi hotspot initiative was announced in the 2018-2019 National Budget with a $40 million allocation for increased speed in public wi-fi hot spots in Fiji. “These locations include My Suva Park, Sigatoka Bus Stand, Koroivolu Park in Nadi, Shirley Park in Lautoka, Ba Bus Stand, Korovou Market, Syria Park in Nausori, Labasa Civic Centre and Savusavu Market.

“Vodafone Fiji plans to have 12 hot spots areas in Labasa Town where Vodafone uses can access wi-fi for free to support Government initiative.”