Fiji to roll out Starlink-powered USS Phase One to 126 rural sites, enabling community-led connectivity and disaster resilience
The Fijian government will roll out Phase One of the Universal Service Scheme (USS) using a Starlink-based, managed Wi-Fi solution to connect 126 rural and remote sites across the island nation, in a project valued at about $3 million. The initial phase targets areas identified as most in need of reliable connectivity and disaster resilience, setting the stage for broader digital inclusion across Fiji’s 240 designated universal service areas.
At each site, the rollout will provide at least two Wi-Fi access points and solar-powered power kits to serve off-grid communities. Emergency satellite phones will be deployed for disaster response, and a voucher-based access model will manage usage and promote responsible digital behavior. Through its “Smart Hands” model, the government will train local youth in these communities to serve as first responders for system troubleshooting and maintenance, ensuring local expertise and sustainability.
Women’s groups and cooperatives will be empowered to manage access voucher systems, enhancing financial inclusion and local accountability. Government officials emphasize that community ownership is essential for long-term success and sustainability, especially in vulnerable rural and maritime areas. The satellite connectivity is linked to national disaster coordination systems, helping communities receive early warnings, coordinate evacuations, and stay connected during crises. In Fiji’s climate‑stressed environment, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications Manoa Kamikamica has described connectivity as life-saving infrastructure.
Phase One marks a significant step toward deeper digital inclusion, complementing broader government efforts to strengthen healthcare, education, and community empowerment. The deployment involves close collaboration with several ministries and authorities to ensure a holistic approach. Specifically, the Ministry of Health will explore telemedicine integration; the Ministry of Education will support remote learning platforms; the Department of Women will lead community awareness and digital inclusion efforts; the Department of Cooperatives will back cooperative ownership and entrepreneurship; and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will help respect and empower traditional structures.
The Starlink-based approach is presented as a more rapid, cost-effective alternative to building terrestrial towers. Officials say the per-site cost can be around $29,000, a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of dollars previously required per tower, enabling faster coverage across more communities. Phase One covers 126 sites across six clusters: 36 sites in Kadavu, 36 in Lau, 15 in Lomaiviti, 13 in Namosi, 2 in Navosa, and 24 in Tailevu. This phased rollout aligns with Fiji’s long-term digital ambitions, including ongoing fiber and broader 4G/5G plans.
Tests conducted in November 2024 demonstrated consistent performance of Starlink’s low Earth orbit service across Fiji’s varied terrain, which supported the decision to adopt a satellite-based, managed Wi‑Fi model for immediate deployment in underserved communities. The government says the USS initiative is not just about technology; it is about delivering education, health, economic opportunities, and disaster readiness to remote island communities.
LOOKING AHEAD
This Phase One rollout is designed to connect the most underserved locations first, with subsequent phases planned to extend coverage to the remaining universal service areas. The initiative sits within Fiji’s broader digital strategy, which envisions upgrading the 4G baseline and progressing toward a secure, multi-layered 5G rollout. By weaving Starlink, fiber backbones, and subsea links into a coordinated national plan, Fiji aims to accelerate digital inclusion, improve public service delivery, and bolster resilience across all islands.
What this means for communities
– Education and health: More reliable online learning and telemedicine capabilities for schools and clinics.
– Disaster resilience: Real-time weather updates and resilient communication channels during extreme events.
– Local empowerment: Youth training creates local technicians; women’s groups and cooperatives gain new business and governance roles.
– Economic opportunity: Access to broader markets and digital services can support small businesses and entrepreneurship in remote areas.
Analyst perspective and considerations
The USS Phase One strategy reflects a pragmatic blend of satellite technology, local capacity building, and governance coordination to bridge Fiji’s digital divide. Success will depend on sustained funding for maintenance and vouchers, ongoing digital literacy efforts, and robust community feedback mechanisms to guide subsequent phases.
Summary
Fiji’s Universal Service Scheme Phase One will connect 126 rural sites with Starlink-powered, managed Wi‑Fi, featuring solar power, emergency satellite phones, and voucher-based access, supported by youth training and women’s cooperative involvement. The program, with a total estimated cost of $3 million, aims to accelerate digital inclusion, disaster readiness, and community ownership across 240 designated areas, as part of a broader national push toward 4G/5G and smarter governance.
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