Savusavu, Fiji – [24th March, 2025] – Telecom Fiji is proud to announce the successful completion of the Savusavu to Labasa Fibre Project, a major milestone in enhancing digital connectivity across Vanua Levu. This initiative marks the completion of the critical backbone infrastructure, with the next phase focusing on distribution for community and business usage.
The project was made possible through strategic collaborations, integrating Kordia’s expertise in network deployment and Ciena’s 5184, a modern, secure coherent routing solution. The backbone network follows a robust infrastructure path: international connectivity comes via the Savusavu submarine fibre, landing at the Savusavu Cable Landing Station. From there, it is routed to the Savusavu Exchange, then extended to the Seaqaqa Exchange, and finally reaches the Labasa Exchange, forming a high-capacity data corridor for the Northern Division.
The fibre optic link between Savusavu and Labasa provides a high-capacity, resilient network that improves broadband speed and reliability, reducing dependence on traditional microwave networks prone to disruption. The project forms a key part of Telecom Fiji’s five-year fibre investment strategy to future-proof Fiji’s telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring scalable and secure connectivity for years to come.
A special milestone in this project was the connection of Saivou Village, which has never before had access to internet services. This demonstrates Telecom Fiji’s commitment to bridging the digital divide by providing connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the national significance of this achievement, stating, “The completion of this project aligns with our Look North policy, reinforcing Vanua Levu’s role in Fiji’s economic and digital future. Reliable internet is a necessity for economic growth, education, and disaster resilience. The completion of this project ensures that even our most remote communities can access the opportunities that digital connectivity brings.”
Telecom Fiji CEO, Charles Goundar, highlighted the broader impact, stating, “The Savusavu to Labasa Fibre Project is a transformative step towards a more connected Fiji. While this marks the completion of the backbone infrastructure, the next phase will focus on distribution, ensuring businesses, schools, and communities can fully utilize these advancements.”
Brent La Franchie, Executive General Manager at Kordia, stated, “We are proud to have played a role in delivering this vital infrastructure, ensuring long-term connectivity benefits for Fiji’s northern communities.”
Ciena’s Regional Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Ivan Polizzi, added, “The new transport network will support the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services across Fiji, enabling Telecom Fiji to deliver even more robust solutions, scalable to the needs of its customers.”
With the backbone now in place, Telecom Fiji is committed to the next phase of development—expanding fibre distribution to ensure accessible, high-speed internet services for homes, businesses, and institutions across Vanua Levu.