Fiji lays out National Digital Strategy as 5G rollout and subsea cables push connectivity forward
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica unveiled Fiji’s first National Digital Strategy at the Pacific Fiber Conference, outlining a five-year plan to advance infrastructure, innovation, and smart governance through 2030. He stressed that the nation’s domestic fiber backbone is laying the groundwork for nationwide 5G and for direct links to global networks via projects like Google’s South Pacific Connect subsea cable.
“Kamikamica said every subsea cable landed, every kilometer of fiber laid, and every tower switched on brings us closer to a more connected and resilient Pacific,” highlighting the broader goal of faster, more reliable digital services. He added that the strategy seeks to improve speed, capacity, and resilience, particularly in the face of natural disasters. The Prime Minister praised Telecom Fiji for driving fiber development and hosting the conference, which brings together key players in regional connectivity.
Context and outlook
– 4G is being positioned as a new minimum standard across Fiji, with the government outlining a phased 5G rollout designed to leave no community behind. The initial phase, expected to run through 2025–2026, will focus on major urban centers and tourism hubs, followed by expanded coverage to rural and maritime communities, with broader access anticipated by 2028. This approach aims to balance rapid modernization with inclusive growth.
– The 5G push goes hand in hand with security and resilience measures, including a formal 5G Network Security Policy to address vendor risk, protect network integrity, and support a zero-trust architecture as the system expands.
– Fiji’s digital ambitions are supported by tangible international links, including Google’s subsea cables and plans for data-center infrastructure in the region. An ICT taskforce has been established to coordinate efforts and maximize benefits from such investments, ensuring the country can leverage connectivity for both public services and private sector growth.
– Starlink has already begun operations in Fiji, enabling more reliable internet access for remote and maritime communities and prompting partnerships with major local telecoms as part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide.
– The National Digital Strategy is complemented by a parallel push on 5G spectrum assignment and commercial deployment, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a coordinated, investment-led digital future. The plan emphasizes digital inclusion, cyber resilience, innovation-driven growth, smart governance, sustainable development, and strengthened global digital cooperation.
What this means for Fiji
The government’s integrated approach signals a future where fast, resilient connectivity supports disaster response, tourism, education, health, and commerce across all islands. By linking subsea networks with a robust fiber backbone and a nationwide 5G rollout, Fiji aims to reduce digital gaps between urban centers and remote communities while attracting investment and enabling new services.
Analyst perspective and added value
– The emphasis on equitable rollout—combining 5G with Starlink and subsea links—suggests a pragmatic path to universal access, particularly for island and coastal areas prone to connectivity challenges.
– The ICT taskforce and the data-center push indicate a long-term strategy to turn Fiji into a regional digital hub, not just a consumer market for faster internet but a center for digital services, analytics, and innovation.
– Potential challenges to watch include managing spectrum pricing to sustain rapid expansion, maintaining cybersecurity as the network becomes more decentralized, and ensuring local communities can effectively adopt and benefit from new technologies.
Summary
Fiji’s National Digital Strategy marks a milestone in aligning infrastructure, governance, and inclusion with ambitious 5G and global connectivity goals. By weaving together a stronger fiber backbone, subsea links, partnerships with tech leaders, and a phased rollout designed to reach underserved areas, the plan sets a hopeful course for a more connected, resilient, and digitally empowered Fiji through 2030 and beyond. Positive momentum across public and private sectors suggests improved opportunities for citizens and businesses as Fiji accelerates into a new era of digital growth.
Leave a comment