Fiji’s digital future is set to take a major leap forward with the phased rollout of 5G technology starting this year onto the next beginning with the country’s busiest cities and gradually reaching into rural and maritime communities.
Announcing the Cabinet-endorsed 5G Spectrum Assignment and Rollout Strategy in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica said the plan will ensure that no Fijian is left behind in the push for faster, more reliable mobile internet.
“The 5G structure requires infrastructure. This means fibre backhaul, three-phase power, and modernised core networks,” he said.
“In areas where 5G is not feasible yet, we’re prioritising infrastructure upgrades so every Fijian, regardless of location, has access to meaningful internet.”
The rollout will take place in three key phases over four years.
Phase One (2025–2026) will prioritise Fiji’s economic and tourism centres—Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, and Denarau—ensuring businesses, emergency services, and tourism operators have immediate access to high-speed 5G networks.
Phase Two (2026–2027) will expand coverage to Nasinu, Lami, Labasa, and Savusavu, with a focus on supporting development in the Northern Division.
By 2028, major towns like Nausori, Sigatoka, Navua, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Korovou, and Taveuni are expected to come online. Taveuni has also been earmarked for targeted infrastructure investment to support connectivity.
Mr Kamikamica said mobile network operators already licensed to offer 5G will pay a base price of $2.92 million per 100 MHz block. However, to encourage broader coverage, they’ll operate under a commitment-based pricing model.
Operators that roll out 5G in remote and underserved areas between 2025 and 2028 will receive a Coverage-Based Discount. A flexible payment plan allows 60 per cent of the cost (after discounts) to be paid upfront, with the remainder spread over time. Performance-based incentives are also in place.
Revenue from the spectrum assignment will directly support public services and digital equity. The breakdown:
50% to the Government Consolidated Fund
30% to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to improve access in remote areas
20% to the Telecommunications Development Trust Fund, which supports the growth of Fiji’s digital economy
While the 5G rollout promises huge improvements in speed and service quality, Mr Kamikamica made clear that connectivity equity is central to the government’s vision.
“This plan is not just about speed. It’s about making sure our farmers, our students, our health centres, and our remote island communities can all benefit from the same opportunities.”
The Ministry will continue working with local and international partners to ensure the infrastructure needed for 5G is in place—especially in areas currently lacking even basic network coverage.
As the first connections go live in 2025, Fiji’s path to becoming a fully connected digital nation will begin—one tower, one town, and one village at a time.
