In a recent parliamentary session, Fiji’s Minister for Communication, Manoa Kamikamica, reported that Walesi Fiji has been operating unlawfully, as the company failed to secure the necessary operating and spectrum licenses. This oversight raises concerns about potential risks to critical services such as civil aviation and reveals significant deficiencies in adhering to international telecommunication obligations.
Kamikamica outlined several issues that have contributed to the subpar performance of Walesi Fiji. He pointed out that the company’s approach to providing free-to-air content, along with its inadequate network design and poor technology choices, stemmed from poor planning. Notably, Walesi Fiji opted for the outdated H.264 codec for its broadcasting infrastructure instead of adopting the globally recognized H.265/HEVC codec, a transition recommended in 2016. This oversight rendered over 200,000 set-top boxes, distributed at considerable public expense, obsolete right from the start, resulting in a significant waste of taxpayer money.
The minister also emphasized the lack of a sustainable operational framework for Walesi, highlighting the absence of a structured revenue model, strategic pricing for broadcasters using the network, and a long-term maintenance plan for infrastructure. All these factors illustrate a fundamental failure to plan for the future needs of Fijian households.
While this situation sheds light on serious regulatory and operational flaws, it also presents an opportunity for reform. With proper oversight and strategic planning, Fiji can enhance its digital television operations and ensure compliance with international standards. This could ultimately lead to better services for consumers and more efficient use of public funds.
In summary, while the issues surrounding Walesi Fiji’s operations are concerning, they can serve as a catalyst for necessary changes and improvements in the telecommunications sector, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient infrastructure that benefits the Fijian public.
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