To benefit thousands of Fijians by improving access to essential digital tools that support economic growth, expand healthcare access, enhance educational opportunities and promote financial inclusion, the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji has signed Universal Service Obligation contracts with Digicel Fiji.
This was confirmed by Digicel Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Farid Mohammed.
Mohammed says the project, a close collaboration between Digicel Fiji, TAF and the Fiji Government, is designed to ensure that the technology deployed is robust and suitable for Fiji’s remote and maritime geography.
He adds that the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji has also signed Universal Service Obligation contracts with Telecom Fiji Limited.
Mohammed says the contracts support delivery under the Universal Service Scheme, which is funded through the Universal Service Fund.
TAF Chairman David Eyre says the signing marks a clear shift from policy to delivery.
Eyre says universal connectivity is a critical enabler of inclusive economic and social development and is a core objective of the Government’s national digital development agenda.
He says that through the industry-funded Universal Service Fund, established under Government policy and administered by TAF, remote and maritime communities are now being connected to digital markets, services and opportunities that were previously beyond the reach of telecommunications networks.
Eyre adds that TAF will continue to engage with other potential delivery partners and expects Universal Service Scheme coverage to expand progressively to additional provinces as delivery readiness and capacity increase.
Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua says the Universal Service Scheme project is a key initiative under the Government’s commitment to expanding connectivity and digital inclusion through the National Digital Strategy.
He says the initiative will allow Fijians to stay connected with their families, access essential services and unlock new opportunities for their communities.
The Minister says he looks forward to personally visiting some of the communities to ensure the project delivers beyond connectivity and has a real, positive impact on people’s lives.
Telecom Fiji Limited Chief Executive Officer, Charles Goundar says the agreement is about more than technology, it is about equity and opportunity.
Goundar says that through the Universal Service Scheme, Telecom Fiji is delivering practical and resilient connectivity solutions to communities that have been digitally excluded for far too long.
He adds that by combining Starlink satellite technology with managed Wi-Fi services and a community ownership model, the initiative ensures connectivity is sustainable, affordable and impactful.
Goundar says the programme will support education, healthcare, disaster preparedness, small businesses and social connection, particularly for rural and maritime communities.
Under the rollout, Digicel Fiji will deliver services to 33 communities in Lau Province, benefiting more than 3,200 people.
Telecom Fiji Limited will serve 30 communities across Lomaiviti, Namosi and Navosa, reaching over 2,600 people.
These deployments form part of a broader national programme that will extend connectivity to 240 communities nationwide, benefiting an estimated 23,000 Fijians.
Connectivity under the Universal Service Scheme will be delivered through satellite-based managed Wi-Fi services.
Each community will have access to a shared Wi-Fi centre, where residents can purchase and redeem affordable data vouchers.
The rollout will be implemented in phases.
Phase One prioritises 126 sites and is expected to benefit approximately 11,000 people, with mobilisation and service delivery scheduled to commence in the first week of January 2026.
