TELECOM (Fiji) Ltd has been awarded the title of Infrastructure Initiative of the Year in the Fiji category at the Asian Telecom Awards 2026 for the successful implementation of the Savusavu–Labasa Fibre Project. This significant terrestrial fibre deployment enhances connectivity in Fiji’s Northern Division, facilitating improved services for businesses, educational institutions, and public services.
The impact of the project has been immediate and substantial. Interconnection bandwidth in the Northern Division surged to an impressive one hundred gigabits per second, coupled with reduced latency levels and fewer service interruptions. Network traffic witnessed a notable increase, jumping from 7.0 to 12.5 gigabits per second, according to statements from Telecom Fiji.
Remarkably, construction of the project was completed ahead of schedule and within the allocated budget of $10 million. The positive outcomes have been swift, with a marked shift in subscriber behavior within just six months. Broadband subscriptions in the region have doubled, reflecting growing demand. Additionally, businesses have embraced fibre services, achieving an 88 percent increase in adoption, while connectivity among schools and government agencies expanded by 77 percent. Notably, healthcare facilities reported quicker access to essential clinical and administrative systems, and government agencies have seen improvement in data exchange efficiencies during peak demand periods.
The Savusavu–Labasa Fibre Project has replaced outdated legacy infrastructure with a modern network that features underground protection and redundant routing to combat environmental risks. Utilizing advanced optical technology, the system is designed for scalability; it initially operates at ten gigabits per second and can expand to a capacity of 100 gigabits per second, with clear pathways for enhancements to 400 gigabits per second anticipated. This upgrade potential is strategically aligned with national network planning and lays the groundwork for future fifth-generation mobile services in the Northern Division.
This project not only caters to the immediate needs of the region but also positions Fiji for future advancements in telecommunications, ensuring sustained development and connectivity for its communities.
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