The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission CEO Joel Abraham has commended the telecommunications industry for passing the benefits of recent data cost reductions facilitated by them to Fijian consumers.
Abraham says Fijians can now enjoy cheaper rates as a result of effective competition in the retail end.
He says they have undertaken various regulatory interventions, from a reduction in FINTEL charges and regulating TFL fibre, to a reduction in interconnect charges that combined with the Fijian Government’s removal of the data levy has had quite an impact.
Abraham says this is through significant increases in data caps of new internet plans which includes Digicel Fiji’s monthly data plan of $10 for 40GB, Telecom Fiji Limited monthly plans starting from $39 for 200GB, Vodafone Fiji Limited’s 80GB data plan for $25 for 25 days, and Inkk Mobile’s $8 for 80GB for 8 days.
He says as a result, reductions in costs for internet providers in Fiji have been quite significant.
Abraham says the ubiquity of mobile telephone use in Fiji has made it necessary for the construction of backhaul fibre-optic connectivity which FCCC is reviewing.
He says their collaborative approach to regulation, which when done correctly, offers the best results for both Fijian consumers and businesses.
Abraham says by examining Fiji’s telecommunications sector, along with some of the bottlenecks, they are also seeing how Fiji can build on its existing infrastructure to enhance its enabling environment, identify growing economic activities that can improve the wellbeing of society and increase broadband investment.
Abraham says another aspect of this review is to demonstrate how a range of decision-making methodologies and models can be used to choose appropriate technologies, and develop investment strategies for Fiji through customisation to market needs.
He says FCCC is the only statutory body empowered to enforce the protection of Fijian consumer rights and plays a crucial role in ensuring that every Fijian consumer is prioritised and privileged with appropriate recourse and justice.
