In a significant move to bolster digital connectivity in the Pacific region, Google has announced plans to construct an advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facility in Natadola, Fiji. The company is committed to utilizing local contractors to support the construction, highlighting its dedication to community involvement.
During a recent signing ceremony with Telecom Fiji Limited for the installation of a domestic fiber optic cable network, Google’s Global Lead for Network Investments, Brian Quigley, detailed the project’s timeline and scope. The facility’s design has been finalized, and bids from local Fijian contractors are currently underway, with construction expected to begin within the next two months, along with the physical installation of the cable that links the U.S. to Fiji.
The ICT hub will serve as a strategic cable landing station, housing essential infrastructure for data transmission and power generation. It will enhance Fiji’s role as a significant telecommunications hub, connecting it to the United States, Australia, Japan, and for the first time, Chile—thereby increasing the overall resilience of Fiji’s internet connectivity.
Quigley emphasized Google’s commitment to sustainability and fostering local partnerships as part of its Pacific Connect initiative. He explained the importance of reducing energy consumption associated with internet services and maintaining strong ties with local communities. The partnerships with Telecom Fiji and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd. (FINTEL) are critical to the success of the project.
With this facility, Fiji is poised to become a key player in the global internet ecosystem, enabling greater digital integration and opening up opportunities for local communities to participate in the global digital economy. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka underscored the project’s significance, highlighting its potential to empower Fijians and align with the nation’s sustainable growth objectives.
This development not only promises to enhance Fiji’s connectivity but also reflects a broader commitment to digital inclusiveness in the Pacific region. It is a hopeful sign for economic growth and technological empowerment, as local communities stand to benefit from increased access to digital resources and international markets.
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