GOVERNMENT ADVANCES DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AS...

The Government today reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating national digital transformation as Fiji marked a major milestone with the launch of Telecom Fiji Limited's (TFL) nationwide 5G network - a platform that will connect Fijians, empower industries, and drive intelligent innovation and inclusion.

In launching the initiative, Minister for Policing and Communications, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua highlighted that he introduction of 5G aligns with the Government's strategic direction on digital transformation and national connectivity, following the establishment of Fiji's National Digital Strategy earlier this year.

"Today's launch reflects the collective efforts of stakeholders across the public and private sectors to ensure that Fiji harnesses digital technologies securely, effectively, and as drivers of socio-economic progress," he said.

"5G represents more than just faster connectivity. It signifies a pivotal shift in how Fiji will operate, innovate, and grow in the coming decade. This achievement builds on earlier generations of connectivity that shaped the country's digital evolution."

"The arrival of 3G brought basic mobile internet access, enabling browsing and multimedia messaging, 4G then introduced mobile broadband, transforming video streaming, online gaming, and download capabilities, and now, 5G brings even faster speeds, improved reliability, and energy-efficient communication," he relayed.

The rollout of the 5G network will strengthen connectivity for families, communities, and businesses, supporting national priorities to reduce the digital divide.

Minister Naivalurua said that enhanced digital speed and reliability will improve access to education, healthcare, e-government services, and economic opportunities and the technology will also support modern communication networks and bolster national security, enabling stronger emergency coordination, real-time communication, and more effective disaster response.

"5G lays the foundation for future technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing," he highlighted.

"These advancements are expected to create new opportunities for investment, innovation, and development and the network will encourage young Fijians, entrepreneurs, and developers to design solutions tailored to the nation's needs across key sectors."

"The Government remains committed to building a digitally skilled workforce, with 5G expected to enhance productivity and generate new employment opportunities," he added.

The Minister acknowledged the partnership with Telecom Fiji and commended the team for extensive deployments, testing, and integration work leading to today's launch, noting that Telecom Fiji's continued alignment with the Government's Planned 5G Rollout (2025-2028) will ensure steady expansion across the nation.

As Fiji enters this new chapter of digital advancement, the Government encourages businesses and communities to embrace the opportunities unlocked by 5G and contribute to a connected, secure, and digitally resilient nation.

Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) chief executive officer, Charles Goundar, said this is a major step forward in delivering a new era of speed, intelligence, and capability to the people of Fiji.

"Our vision at TFL is clear - we are investing in critical infrastructure and networks to secure Fiji's connectivity today and unlock the opportunities for the future," he said.

"Through our other investments, such as fiber infrastructure, we are enabling innovation by creating the platform for IoT ecosystems, cloud-powered services, AI-driven applications, and smart community solutions," he added.

With this launch today, we are stepping confidently into a future where:

§ Connectivity is instantaneous, secure, and limitless.
§ Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation become everyday tools that improve lives and boost productivity.
§ Smart homes, smart cities, and smart industries become achievable realities.
§ Businesses can innovate without boundaries, expanding their reach locally, regionally, and globally.
§ Government services become faster, smarter, and more accessible to every citizen.
§ And all residents have the opportunity to benefit from digital progress.

TFL plans to roll out this transformative technology in two carefully planned phases.

Phase 1 will bring 5G coverage to Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, and Denarau, prioritising high-need areas and essential services, in line with the Governments 5G coverage requirements. Phase 1 has also been extended to include Navua, Nausori, and Nasinu. While in Phase 2, TFL will progressively expand coverage to additional towns and regions across Fiji.