A $10 million investment has been made in a 102-kilometer fiber cable project aimed at enhancing digital connectivity throughout Vanua Levu. This initiative is set to provide residents in the region with access to faster and more reliable internet services, which is crucial for economic development, education, and disaster resilience.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the importance of this connectivity, explaining how it aligns with their “Look North Policy.” He stated that the project’s completion marks a significant step towards reinforcing the region’s economic and digital future, particularly for the most remote communities in Vanua Levu. “This ensures that even our most remote can access the opportunities that digital connectivity brings,” he noted.
The CEO of Telecom Fiji Limited, Charles Goundar, described the project as a transformative move towards a more connected Fiji. He mentioned that while the backbone infrastructure is completed, the next phase will focus on distribution to enable businesses, schools, and communities to fully capitalize on these advancements.
Telecom Fiji’s chairperson, Attar Singh, added that this project ensures that the Northern Division of Fiji is no longer left behind in the digital revolution. He emphasized the commitment to providing superior telecommunication solutions and highlighted the significance of this development as part of Telecom Fiji’s five-year fiber investment program. This program aims to enhance resilience and accessibility by laying underground fiber optic cables, thereby reducing reliance on traditional microwave networks vulnerable to natural disasters.
The project was made possible through strategic collaborations, including Kordia’s expertise in network deployment as well as Ciena’s modern routing technology. The infrastructure facilitates a robust data corridor running from the Savusavu Cable Landing Station, through the Savusavu Exchange and Seaqaqa Exchange, and finally reaching the Labasa Exchange.
This investment not only aims to bolster the country’s telecommunication framework but also seeks to empower local communities, improve essential services, and foster resilience against environmental challenges.
In conclusion, the fiber cable project is a beacon of hope for enhancing connectivity and economic growth in Fiji, heralding a new era of opportunities for all residents of Vanua Levu.
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