The Consumer Council of Fiji, together with the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission and the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji, has announced a collaborative effort to tackle widespread concerns about internet services across the country. The move comes on the heels of a nationwideConsumer Council survey that highlighted a range of issues, including unreliable connectivity, fluctuating prices, slow speeds, substandard customer service, and limited access in rural and maritime areas.
Consumer Council Chief Executive Seema Shandil stressed that internet access is now essential for education, business, health, and social connection. The triple alliance aims to raise service quality, promote fair pricing, strengthen complaint resolution, and hold internet providers accountable for delivering real value to Fijians. She noted that the collaboration is designed to deliver accessible, affordable, and reliable digital services for all, aligning with the needs of households and communities nationwide.
The initiative is supported by a broader regulatory narrative in Fiji and the Pacific region. Regulators have been discussing concrete steps to boost connectivity through measures such as open access networks and shared infrastructure to spur price competition and expand last‑mile coverage. In Fiji, Telecommunications Authority of Fiji chief executive Prit Chand has underscored the regulator’s duty to ensure providers deliver what they promise and to secure fair value for consumers, while FCCC chief executive Senikavika Jiuta has emphasized transparent and competitive pricing as a cornerstone of consumer protection amid market changes.
For consumers, the collaboration promises clearer pricing practices, stronger protection against unfair billing or service terms, and more timely redress for complaints. The alliance also targets improved service reliability and more consistent experiences for families relying on internet for schooling, healthcare, business operations, and staying connected with loved ones. In the longer term, the regulators expect that a mix of fibre, wireless, and satellite solutions—guided by enforceable performance standards and public‑private partnerships—will broaden access and improve resilience, especially in rural and maritime communities.
What to watch next
– Possible updates to pricing disclosures and the introduction of clearer billing practices by providers
– Faster, more transparent complaint-handling processes and timelines
– Targeted investments or partnerships to boost rural and maritime connectivity
– Ongoing regulatory reviews to ensure digital growth translates into tangible benefits for households and small businesses
Overall, the alliance signals an optimistic push toward more reliable internet access and fairer pricing, reinforcing Fiji’s commitment to inclusive digital growth that supports education, commerce, healthcare, and everyday life. If implemented effectively, consumers across Fiji could experience faster, more affordable, and more dependable connectivity in the years ahead.
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