Data usage and place of usage has dramatically changed which may have resulted in network issues in some areas – Vodafone Fiji

Vodafone Fiji's Head of eCommerce and Corporate Affairs, Shailendra Prasad says data usage on their network has increased by over 100% in the last one year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and this has placed enormous demand on network capacity and bandwidth.

Prasad says digital platforms and access to data and internet now affects every facet of our lives from contact tracing of COVID-19 using careFiji app, online learning by students through zoom classes, businesses moving to online platform, payments and online entertainment are all dependent on network connectivity.

His comments follows concerns regarding slow internet connectivity in a number of areas.

We have received feedback from Vodafone users from Tamavua, Samabula, Laucala Beach, Nasese, Koronivia and some other parts in Nausori regarding slow internet connectivity.

When questioned Prasad says overall, Vodafone Fiji’s network has served customers exceptionally well during this pandemic apart from pockets of densely populated areas where abnormally high network traffic may have caused some congestion during peak hours.

He says their network has generally withstood the unprecedented demand and performed very well during this time.

Prasad further says due to the lockdown and restriction in movements of people, the network usage pattern and load has been altered significantly.

He says under normal operating conditions, network usage was highest in Central Business Districts and industrial areas and less in the residential areas however, data usage and the place of usage has dramatically changed adding this shift in place of usage may have resulted in network capacity issues in some areas.

Prasad has assured customers their network team is constantly monitoring performance on an ongoing basis to ensure optimum service.