The Fijian government has announced a significant initiative to enhance mobile and internet connectivity in Taveuni as part of the next phase of Fiji’s national digital infrastructure rollout. Minister for Communications Iowane Naivalurua shared these details in Parliament, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving coverage in communities that struggle with weak or nonexistent mobile signals, particularly in remote regions of the island.
Naivalurua noted that Taveuni currently hosts six mobile towers and five digital towers, servicing over 9,000 active SIM cards. Although most of the island now benefits from 4G LTE coverage, the government is targeting the remaining areas with poor connectivity, referred to as “red spots”, as delineated in network maps. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to address connectivity challenges in both rural and urban areas, which is particularly vital as Fiji transitions to 5G technology.
The government’s investment strategy includes the Universal Service Obligation Project, funded through a special levy from licensed telecommunications operators aimed at boosting communications access in underprivileged areas. Additionally, Naivalurua highlighted the commencement of a satellite-based Wi-Fi system utilizing Low Earth Orbit technology, akin to Starlink, with a projected budget of $3 million. This project has already successfully connected 126 rural sites in Fiji and is set to extend its reach to Taveuni and surrounding outer islands.
The national 5G rollout, which is structured in three phases, will initially target urban centers such as Suva and Nadi from this year into next year, before moving to areas like Labasa and Savusavu between 2026 and 2027, and ultimately reaching additional remote regions including Taveuni by 2028.
Past initiatives have similarly highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly emphasizing the role of innovative connectivity solutions like Starlink in improving internet access for remote communities. This strategic focus underscores the government’s broader vision for digital equity, ensuring that advancements in technology foster socio-economic growth and inclusivity across Fiji.
As Fiji presses ahead with these promising technological improvements, there is a renewed sense of optimism that enhanced connectivity will transform lives by opening up new opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development. The integration of improved digital services into daily life stands to benefit many citizens, fostering a more connected and prosperous future for the nation.