Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica announced today in Parliament that Fiji’s 5G deployment will prioritize community equity and alignment with national development priorities. During his statement, Kamikamica emphasized that the government is committed to a five-year 5G rollout that will extend beyond urban centers like Suva, addressing “local pain points” and ensuring all communities across the nation reap the benefits.
He outlined a phased approach for the 5G rollout, with the first phase covering urban areas such as Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi, Denarau, and Labasa. This phase will focus on crucial economic zones, ports, medical centers, and tourism hubs to offer immediate advantages to commercial sectors and emergency services. Coverage is set to expand to regions like Nasinu, Lami, Laqere, and other areas in the Central and Southern divisions, promoting balanced development throughout Fiji’s major islands.
Kamikamica expressed the importance of collaborating with telecom operators to ensure readiness of necessary infrastructure, suggesting that the government’s spectrum pricing strategy will be fair and geared for the future. His statement illustrated a vision that 5G technology goes beyond enhanced internet speed; it is about unlocking opportunities, stimulating innovation, and making sure no one is left behind in the digital age.
The commitment to broadening internet access aligns with ongoing initiatives, such as earlier discussions of Starlink’s introduction in Fiji to help underserved communities connect to reliable internet services, which further supports the government’s vision for digital inclusion.
This approach, as highlighted in previous discussions at the Fiji Tech Summit, reflects a hopeful trajectory for Fiji’s socio-economic development through advanced technologies. By building a more connected future, the government aims to empower communities and transform challenges into opportunities for growth and development throughout the nation.
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