MINISTER FOR POLICING & COMMUNICATIONS, HON. IOANE NAIVALURUA'S ADDRESS AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE WAIVAKA STARLINK CONNECTIVITY SET

Bula vinaka to the village of Waivaka,

It is my great honour to stand before you today- in your homes, within your communities - to celebrate a truly historic moment: the connection of your villages to reliable telecommunications networks.

We begin here in Namosi, starting with the villages of Waivaka, Narukunibua, Nasigatoka, and then Namosi village, as the first sites under this phase of the Universal Service satellite community WiFi project. This is not just about technology-it is about access, inclusion, and opportunity.

Today's occasion is more than just the arrival of mobile coverage or internet access. It represents the tangible outcome of the Government's commitment to ensure every Fijian - regardless of where they live - is part of our nation's digital future.

Under the Government's National Digital Strategy, Government has prioritised ensuring digital inclusion for rural and maritime communities - because digital access is now essential for education, health, business and family connection.

This Universal Service initiative will connect more than 240 previously unconnected sites across the whole of Fiji, enabling communities like yours to connect online, participate in the economy, and stay in touch with loved ones and opportunities beyond your village.

This rollout forms part of Phase 1 of the Universal Service project, which will deliver 126 sites nationwide. Of these, 33 sites in the Lau Group are being implemented by Digicel, while 30 sites across Namosi, Navosa and Lomaiviti are being implemented by Telecom Fiji Limited including the four sites we are commencing today.

This Government policy is now tangible action on the ground:
It ensures students can access online learning,
It helps local businesses reach wider markets,
It allows families to connect instantly with relatives near and far,

And it strengthens access to services that can uplift lives.

Telecom Fiji Limited's work here, through funding by Govemment mandated trust fund is being managed by the telecommunication's regulatory authority (TAF) reflects a shared vision -  a vision where no village is left behind in
Fiji's digital transformation.

Our Ministry's focus is not just about being connected- it's about being Beyond Connected. This means that connectivity must lead to opportunity, empowerment, and progress for all Fijians. As we roll out technology and services, we will also support digital skills, local enterprise participation, and community-led use of these tools so that you can benefit meaningfully from connectivity in your daily lives and future endeavours.

On behalf of the Government and all partners, I thank our traditional leaders, community representatives and partners for their support. Digital transformation is a shared journey, and community cooperation is key to its success. I also offer heartfelt congratulations to the people of Waivaka. May this connection bring new opportunities, closer connections, and brighter futures for each of your families and for the generations to come.

Vinaka vakalevu.