In a bid to improve connectivity and invest in modern and resilient ICT infrastructure, the Coalition Government has commenced on 5G testing and is aware of the criticality of 5G networks and its importance for emerging technologies across Fiji’s economies.
This was highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica at the launch of the USAID’s new Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) at the University of the South Pacific today (17.08.23).
USAID hosted the launch in partnership with USP, with the presence of the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFs), Mr. Henry Puna, the Vice Chancellor of The USP, Prof. Pal Ahluwalia and USAID Assistant Administrator Mr. Michael Schiffer.
Fiji already has 95 percent internet connectivity through 3G, 4G and 4G+ networks and the Government continues to closely work with telecommunication operators and stakeholders to identify the remaining 5 percent of the population who are yet to be connected to the online world.
Rotuma has also been identified as the pilot island for the UN Smart Island Programme that Fiji is a part of.
“The goal is to address socio-economic challenges and improve livelihoods by connecting our people in Rotuma to a suite of digitally enabled services through the use of new and emerging technology and digital transformation. A scoping exercise has been completed. Once the Smart Island Programme is successfully rolled out in Rotuma, we can use those insights as we deploy to other unconnected and underserved areas,” DPM Kamikamica added.
The DCCP-Pacific is directly engaged in 12 Pacific Island countries, including Fiji.
“Through DCCP-Pacific, we will facilitate investments in broadband connectivity and digital government transformation; promote community-level solutions; and leverage traditional and non-traditional technologies, such as low-earth orbit satellites access, to enhance digital connectivity so that more Pacific Islanders can access secure internet and participate in the digital economy,” said Mr Schiffer.