5G to be rolled out in Fiji next year

People will have to wait a bit longer for high-speed mobile networks as the Department of Communications aims to complete the necessary preparatory work and successfully launch 5G no later than the end of the first quarter of 2025.

This has been highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives MSMEs and Communications Manoa Kamikamica while responding to a written question by Opposition MP Premila Kumar on an update on the current status and progress of Fiji’s 5G readiness, key initiatives being undertaken to facilitate this transition and timelines for rollout.

Kamikamica says while the demand for cutting-edge technology is significant, the government is taking a pragmatic approach to ensure the maximum positive impact on the people and the economy.

He says the Department, with the support of the USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership, is developing a 5G readiness and spectrum assessment.

The Deputy Prime Minister says a draft assessment report of the 5G readiness and spectrum assessment has been provided and is currently being finalised in collaboration with the Department.

Kamikamica says following the recommendations in the draft assessment report, the Department is working on a few key activities before 5G can be made publicly available which include the formulation of a 5G Spectrum Plan and a Spectrum Valuation and Pricing Model.

He says these activities will be carried out with the assistance of international partners to ensure that 5G is licensed for rollout with the best possible outcome for Fiji.