Telecom Fiji has officially joined the island nation’s 5G race after launching the first phase of its 5G service, several months after rival telcos Vodafone Fiji and Digicel Fiji launched their own services.
Launched at the end of last week, Telecom Fiji’s 5G service will be rolled out in four phases as part of the conditions of its spectrum licence.
According to the Fiji Sun, Phase 1 of Telecom Fiji’s 5G service – which is now live – covers Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, Denarau, Navua, Nausori and Nasinu. Coverage will be expanded under subsequent phases, with Phase 2 expected to be completed by the middle of next year and the remaining phases to be completed by 2027.
Telecom Fiji CEO Charles Goundar said the telco has also expanded its fibre backbone to support its 5G rollout, the report added.
Telecom Fiji received its 5G licence from Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications in September this year, along with Vodafone Fiji and Digicel Fiji – both of whom launched their respective 5G services less than a week later. Vodafone Fiji and Digicel Fiji are rolling out their services under the same four-phase plan.
One caveat for 5G services in Fiji is that users with Apple and Samsung mobile devices will need software updates from the manufacturers to enable 5G functionality.
