For years, large parts of Fiji’s Northern Division relied on microwave links that provided basic coverage but limited capacity and redundancy, leaving the network vulnerable to weather-related instability. As data traffic increased and reliance on cloud services grew, those constraints shifted from operational inconveniences to structural limits.
To address this, Telecom Fiji has built a new fibre backbone linking Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Labasa, reshaping how connectivity is delivered across Vanua Levu. In this interview, Mesake Tuinabua, Chief Technology Officer at Telecom Fiji, explains why fibre became necessary, how the deployment was executed with partners Ciena and Kordia, and how the project fits into the company’s longer-term roadmap for resilient, nationwide connectivity.
What connectivity gaps in Northern Fiji made a new fibre backbone necessary?
The Northern Division has long been one of Fiji’s most difficult regions to connect, largely due to its rugged terrain and the practical challenges of deploying and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure. For many years, connectivity between Savusavu, Seaqaqa, and Labasa depended heavily on microwave links. These provided basic coverage, but were limited in capacity, susceptibility to weather (disruption), and lacked true network redundancy.
A new fibre backbone was therefore necessary to address these long-standing constraints. Introducing a high-capacity optical fibre route allows for substantially higher bandwidth, lower latency, and improved network resilience. This upgrade enables communities, businesses, and government agencies in the north to support modern digital services, including cloud-based applications, real-time communications, and other technologies that demand stable, high-speed connectivity.
What were the biggest limitations of your previous microwave infrastructure?
Microwave technology served us well for many years, but it was reaching its technical limits. It could no longer support the surge in data traffic driven by cloud services, online learning, digital banking, and videoconferencing.
Microwave networks also posed challenges during extreme weather, affecting reliability and uptime. Fibre, by contrast, provides a far more stable and scalable platform, capable of delivering gigabit-level capacity and near-zero latency, which are essential for modern connectivity demands.
How has the Savusavu-Labasa fibre link improved reliability and performance so far?
Since the completion of the Savusavu–Labasa fibre link, we have already observed significant improvements in overall service performance and network stability across the Northern Division. Latency has reduced substantially and throughput capacity has increased.
These enhancements are translating into a better customer experience. This includes faster and more consistent internet speeds, smoother digital interactions for schools, government agencies, and businesses, and a stronger, more stable backbone for mobile networks operating in the area.
What challenges shaped the Vanua Levu fibre deployment, and how did partners help address them?
Deploying fibre across Vanua Levu was not easy. The terrain, unpredictable weather, and remote site accessibility created significant logistical and engineering challenges. Through a partnership with Ciena and Kordia, we were able to apply established deployment practices and optical transport technology to deliver the project.
Ciena supplied the optical transport platform that underpins the new backbone, supporting high capacity, low latency, and room for future expansion. Kordia led the field deployment, integration, and commissioning, ensuring the project was delivered as planned and integrated with our existing services. In addition, both online and on-the-job training were provided to equip local engineers with the skills required to operate and maintain the new IP transmission network. This partnership was critical in delivering the project safely, on time, and to international standards, while also strengthening long-term technical capability within Telecom Fiji.
How is Telecom Fiji extending last-mile connectivity to homes, schools, and businesses in the North?
With the backbone now complete, our next priority is expanding connectivity to communities, schools, hospitals, and businesses through targeted last-mile deployments using FTTx technologies. This work involves close coordination with technology vendors, local contractors, government, and local communities to accelerate rollouts and ensure the benefits of the investment reach organisations and households across the Northern Division.
How does this project shape Telecom Fiji’s long-term roadmap for resilient, regional connectivity?
This project is a key component of Telecom Fiji’s five-year national fibre investment plan, which aims to establish a fully redundant nationwide optical backbone connecting all major islands. By interlinking Vanua Levu with Viti Levu, and extending connectivity to Taveuni and the Lau Group, the project strengthens the resilience of the national network and supports the development of a unified digital infrastructure for businesses, government services, and communities across Fiji.
The Savusavu–Labasa Fibre Project represents more than a network upgrade. It is positioned as a long-term investment in people and infrastructure, with the objective of improving connectivity, supporting economic activity, strengthening service delivery, and enabling new digital opportunities for remote and rural communities.
