Fiji has begun expanding Starlink-backed community WiFi to rural and maritime communities under a universal service rollout aimed at bringing internet and voice services to previously unconnected sites.
The latest commissioning in Namosi includes Waivaka Village and three other locations, with the rollout framed as the first step in a wider push to lift digital access across remote parts of the country.
The rollout in Namosi includes the villages of Waivaka, Narukunibua, Nasigatoka and Namosi village as the first sites under this phase of the universal service satellite community WiFi project.
Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, told residents the project was about expanding access rather than simply installing new equipment.
"This is not just about technology - it is about access, inclusion, and opportunity," he said.
Mr Naivalurua linked the rollout to the Government's National Digital Strategy and its focus on digital inclusion for rural and maritime communities.
"Under the Government's National Digital Strategy, Government has prioritised ensuring digital inclusion for rural and maritime communities - because digital access is now essential for education, health, business and family connection," he said.
"This Universal Service initiative will connect more than 240 previously unconnected sites across the whole of Fiji, enabling communities like yours to connect online, participate in the economy, and stay in touch with loved ones and opportunities beyond your village."
Phase One was described as delivering 126 sites nationwide.
The implementation plan outlined 33 sites in the Lau Group being delivered by Digicel and 30 sites across Namosi, Navosa and Lomaiviti being delivered by Telecom Fiji Limited, including the four Namosi sites commissioned in this stage.
Mr Naivalurua said the aim was to ensure services that are now part of daily life are available to communities regardless of where they live.
The commissioning was framed around expected impacts for students, households and local enterprise.
"This Government policy is now tangible action on the ground," Mr Naivalurua said.
"It ensures students can access online learning, it helps local businesses reach wider markets, it allows families to connect instantly with relatives near and far, and it strengthens access to services that can uplift lives."
Local officials said the rollout would address long-standing connectivity gaps which have affected education and communication in Namosi.
Acting district officer, Susana Rokodakonivosa, said some districts had been without any service.
"For Namosi, we have four districts that are listed as black zones. We have not had any connectivity whatsoever," she said.
A broader installation program was planned across the province, with internet and voice services to be expanded beyond the initial sites.
"The Ministry of Communications has now introduced a project that will see 15 villages in Namosi installed with Starlink connectivity, providing both internet and voice services," Ms Rokodakonivosa said.
The service would be housed at community halls to allow shared access, with a focus on supporting students while also benefiting the wider community.
The commissioning at Waivaka Village included engagement with residents about how the installation would be used and its long-term impact.
Mr Naivalurua acknowledged Telecom Fiji Limited and described the work as part of a shared national approach to ensure remote villages are not left behind in Fiji's digital transformation.
"Our Ministry's focus is not just about being connected - it's about being Beyond Connected," he said.
"Connectivity must lead to opportunity, empowerment, and progress for all Fijians.
"As we roll out technology and services, we will also support digital skills, local enterprise participation, and community-led use of these tools so that you can benefit meaningfully from connectivity in your daily lives and future endeavours."
Officials from the Ministry of Communications, the Government ITC team and the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji accompanied Mr Naivalurua during the Namosi visit.
The visit also included a stop at the Wainadoi Community Police Post, where operational updates were provided and officers were addressed.
