The government will roll out a Starlink-powered, managed Wi‑Fi solution to 126 rural and remote sites at a cost of $3 million, bringing reliable internet and voice access to an estimated 11,300 Fijians who have had little or no connectivity. This marks Phase One of the Universal Service Scheme (USS), established under the Telecommunications Act 2008 to extend communications to commercially unviable areas.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications Manoa Kamikamica told Parliament that live demonstrations conducted by the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji in November 2024 across multiple terrains delivered decisive results, with Starlink’s low‑earth orbit service performing reliably and consistently in Fiji’s rugged, dispersed geography. On that basis, the authority adopted a satellite-based, managed Wi‑Fi model for immediate deployment in underserved communities.
Phase One covers 126 of the 240 locations previously identified in the 2013 Declaration of Universal Service Areas as having poor or no connectivity. The first tranche focuses on areas with the most severe gaps and the greatest potential impact:
– 36 sites in Kadavu
– 36 sites in Lau
– 15 sites in Lomaiviti
– 13 sites in Namosi
– 2 sites in Navosa
– 24 sites in Tailevu
Each site will include at least two Wi‑Fi access points, solar power systems for off‑grid communities, an emergency satellite phone for disaster response, and a voucher-based access model to help manage usage and encourage responsible digital behavior.
The government highlighted a step-change in cost and speed of deployment. Where terrestrial towers previously cost between $400,000 and $500,000 per site, the satellite-based approach is expected to average about $29,000 per site, enabling broader and faster coverage. Authorities have indicated that site selection factors include remoteness, population density, income levels, and the need to strengthen disaster resilience.
This push builds on complementary efforts already underway that have demonstrated tangible benefits of satellite connectivity in remote settings, including installations at rural schools in Viti Levu and at government stations such as Rotuma and Kubulau—initiatives that have improved access to education, service delivery, and emergency communications, particularly during cyclone season. The deployment is being coordinated with relevant agencies, including the Telecommunications Authority and the iTaukei Affairs Ministry, to avoid duplication and maximize community impact.
Additional comments and context
– Why this model fits Fiji: Low‑earth orbit satellite links offer wide coverage with low latency across islands where terrain and distance make terrestrial towers expensive and slow to build. Solar-powered kits are practical for off‑grid villages, and the systems are modular and upgradable.
– Disaster readiness: Emergency satellite phones at each site provide a direct, resilient lifeline when terrestrial networks are damaged, supporting faster response and coordination.
– Sustainability and access: Voucher-based access can help communities manage shared bandwidth and costs while promoting responsible use, an approach already piloted in village settings.
– Cost logic: Per‑site figures are indicative averages for equipment and setup. Aggregate program budgets can differ from a straight multiplication due to variations in terrain, solar requirements, logistics, training, and ongoing service arrangements.
– Bigger digital picture: The initiative aligns with broader plans to raise the national baseline to 4G and stage a secure 5G rollout, while fiber extensions in parts of Vanua Levu complement satellite links by delivering high-capacity backbones where feasible.
What this means for communities
– Education: Reliable internet supports digital learning, teacher training, and access to global resources.
– Health and safety: Clinics can consult remotely; villages gain real-time weather updates and emergency coordination tools.
– Livelihoods: Small businesses can market products, access digital payments, and engage with wider markets.
– Government services: Faster, more transparent access to information and e-services reduces travel time and costs.
Looking ahead
Phase One brings over half of the designated underserved locations online. Subsequent phases are expected to extend coverage to the remaining universal service areas, deepening inclusion across maritime and highland communities and strengthening national resilience.
Summary: Government will invest $3 million to deploy 126 Starlink-based community Wi‑Fi sites under the Universal Service Scheme, directly benefiting about 11,300 people in Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Namosi, Navosa, and Tailevu. Following successful trials across Fiji’s terrains, each site will feature multiple access points, solar power, emergency satellite phones, and voucher-based access. The satellite approach cuts per‑site costs from $400,000–$500,000 for terrestrial towers to about $29,000, accelerating coverage across the 240 locations identified as underserved, with further phases to follow.
Leave a comment