Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica says they have already declared 240 sites which have been identified as having poor or no internet connectivity and he will be reaching out to Vodafone, Digicel and Telecom to see whether they can start addressing the grey spots.
While responding to the question on the Ministry’s work plan to address the black spot areas in the country, Kamikamica says access to good, quality, affordable, secure internet connectivity is crucial, and the government and the Ministry are fully committed to bridging that digital gap.
He says internet connectivity is now the backbone of the modern world and has become an inseparable part of our daily lives.
He adds reliable and stable connectivity provides a gateway to accessing information and education, economic opportunity and connecting loved ones in a way unimaginable a few years ago.
The Deputy Prime Minister says he wasn’t happy with the list because he felt that it did not address the needs of the whole country.
He says it was selective as it only picked on certain provinces.
Kamikamica says he is putting the program on hold or slowing it down so they can consult more broadly and ensure that when they roll out the program, it is able to start addressing the connectivity needs across the community.
The Minister says improving internet connectivity is not just a matter of convenience anymore as it is essential for the livelihoods of all Fijians.
He also says it is a matter of development and progress and creating a level playing field for all citizens regardless of their background or location.
Kamikamica adds it is also about harnessing the power of technology to propel the nation forward into a brighter and prosperous future.
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