Surge in network traffic

WITH a lot of people staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic one of the major mobile network providers has been experiencing a surge in network traffic in some areas leading to network quality degradation.

In a statement Vodafone Fiji said it had been consistently monitoring network quality and performance to ensure users had consistent reliable connectivity as the company tried to navigate through this difficult period.

“During normal times, most of these businesses would be connected through dedicated links in CBDs when employees are at work, hence distributing the mobile traffic load,” stated the company.

“However, as more employees work from home, this invariably skews the traffic to the homes over the mobile networks.

“Additionally, schools have closed in response to COVID-19.”

There has also been a significant increase in home usage as specified because of students being confined to their homes as movements were restricted.

“These are unprecedented times unlike any other before.

“Mobile networks in general are not geared towards such spikes during a sudden and unexpected event impacting the entire nation and world simultaneously.

“Vodafone Fiji has also provided to its entire customer base, the V-Care package that entitles them to free 2GB data, 200 minutes of calls and free 1000 SMS to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on the general public.”

According to the statement as network optimisation works continue in heavily populated areas to minimise the impact of surge it also stated traffic shaping was being applied on the network to ensure all customers had a consistent service in different areas.

“We are also asking the people to be reasonable and keep updated with more important news on COVID-19 and take care of their health and wellbeing,” stated Vodafone.