The Telecommunications Authority of Fiji (TAF) has entered into Universal Service Obligation (USO) contracts with both Digicel Fiji and Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) to enhance connectivity for rural and maritime areas. This initiative aligns with the Universal Service Scheme (USS) and is financed through the Universal Service Fund (USF).
As part of this collaboration, Digicel Fiji will provide services to 33 communities in Lau, reaching over 3,200 residents, while TFL plans to serve 30 communities in Lomaiviti, Namosi, and Navosa, benefiting more than 2,600 individuals. Overall, this effort is set to improve connectivity across 240 communities throughout Fiji, aiding an estimated 23,000 people.
Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, emphasized the significance of this initiative, remarking that it represents a crucial step towards delivering meaningful connectivity to underserved regions. “This will ensure Fijians can stay in touch with their families, access essential services, and unlock new opportunities,” Naivalurua stated.
TAF Chairman David Eyre noted that this partnership demonstrates a transition from policy to action. He elaborated that the industry-funded Universal Service Fund, created under government policy and managed by TAF, is being utilized to connect remote and maritime communities to digital resources and opportunities that were previously unattainable due to limited telecommunications infrastructure.
Digicel Fiji’s CEO, Farid Mohammed, highlighted the focus on deploying robust technology suited for Fiji’s unique geography. He stated that making digital tools accessible to underserved communities is vital for fostering economic growth, improving healthcare, enhancing education, and increasing financial inclusion for thousands of Fijians.
Meanwhile, Telecom Fiji’s CEO, Charles Goundar, reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering inclusive national development through the delivery of sustainable connectivity solutions. By leveraging Starlink satellite technology along with managed Wi-Fi services, Goundar emphasized the goal of making connectivity both affordable and impactful for those who have long been digitally excluded.
The rollout of this connectivity initiative will occur in phases, with Phase 1 set to begin mobilization and service provision in the first week of January 2026. This project represents a significant advancement in bridging the digital divide in Fiji, reflecting a collective effort to ensure that all communities, regardless of their location, can access essential telecommunications services.
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