Google is set to establish a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facility at Natadola, featuring a new cable landing station. This facility will house critical infrastructure such as data transmission servers, racks, and power-generating equipment essential for supporting international fiber optic cables that Google plans to install in Fiji. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during the groundbreaking ceremony held on Saturday.
According to Prime Minister Rabuka, this infrastructure initiative aims to position Fiji as a digital connectivity hub within the Pacific region. He emphasized that the ICT facility will be the second cable landing station in Viti Levu, complementing an existing one in the Central Division, thereby enhancing Fiji’s internet connectivity and resilience.
The new ICT facility will strengthen Google’s transnational subsea telecommunication cables across the Pacific, creating vital links from Fiji to the United States, Australia, Japan, and for the first time, connecting to Chile. This development not only enhances Fiji’s connectivity to North America but also expands its regional digital integration.
Rabuka noted that with this facility, Fiji will serve as a crucial node in the global internet ecosystem, connecting continents such as Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. It is expected to enhance international data flows, drive innovation, and enable Pacific communities to actively participate in the global digital economy, ensuring that all Fijians benefit from technological advancements.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering the people of Fiji and aligning with our sustainable growth and resilience goals,” said Rabuka.
Google’s vice president of Global Network Infrastructure, Brian Quigley, and the company’s Submarine Innovation lead, Shirshendu Bhattacharya, were present at the event to represent Google. Quigley highlighted that the new ICT facility at Natadola would serve as a premier connectivity hub in the Pacific, demonstrating Google’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity. The facility is part of an initiative known as Pacific Connect, which includes four new fiber optic connections linking Fiji to various countries and aims to bridge the digital divide.
The project is backed by vital partnerships with local stakeholders, including the Fiji National Provident Fund and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd (FINTEL).
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for Fiji and the Pacific region, fostering a stronger digital economy and interconnected communities that can thrive in the modern technological landscape.
In conclusion, the establishment of Google’s ICT facility in Fiji not only promises to bolster internet connectivity but also brings hope for economic growth and technological empowerment for local communities. This project exemplifies the global shift towards greater digital inclusivity, ensuring that the Pacific Island nations play a prominent role in the digital age.
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