Telecom Fiji Partners with Kordia to Enhance North Transmission Network in Vanualevu - Telecom Fiji Limited

Telecom Fiji Partners with Kordia to Enhance North Transmission Network in Vanualevu

Charles Goundar, CEO Telecom Fiji and Brent La Franchie, Executive General Manager, Kordia Solutions Business.

 

Telecom Fiji is partnering with Kordia, New Zealand owned provider of critical communication technology solutions, to implement a vital North transmission network in Vanua Levu. This project will connect the Savusavu Submarine Cable Station to the Labasa Exchange using advanced Ciena transmission equipment, marking a major milestone in strengthening Fiji’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Charles Goundar, CEO of Telecom Fiji, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Kordia is a critical step in expanding our network’s capacity and reliability, particularly for Vanua Levu. The new transmission network will support the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services across Fiji, enabling us to deliver even more robust and scalable solutions for our customers. We are committed to driving Fiji’s digital transformation, and this partnership will help us achieve that.”

Kordia has deep experience designing, building, operating and maintaining critical networks and communication infrastructure in New Zealand, Australia and the wider Pacific. Kordia worked closely with Cienna, a global leader in optical and routing systems, to deliver a solution tailored to meet Telecom Fiji’s requirements.

Brent La Franchie, Executive General Manager of Kordia’s Solutions business, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:

“We are excited to partner with Telecom Fiji in delivering this key infrastructure project. We’re looking forward to delivering this initiative, to bring cutting-edge, future-proof connectivity to the people of Fiji. We will be leveraging our expertise to work closely with Telecom Fiji, to ensure a seamless, high-quality deployment.”

 

Charles Goundar and Brent La Franchie after the contract signing.

 

Some of Kordia’s notable achievements in the region include the installation and commissioning of Ciena equipment at InterChange Vanuatu’s subsea fibre landing stations, Fintel’s marine cable network in Fiji, and network testing and fibre training for Tonga Telecom.

Kordia has also provided consultancy and fibre testing services for Telecom Fiji’s optical fibre network, further solidifying its role as a trusted partner.

Telecom’s collaboration with Kordia and Ciena ensures a smooth, high-quality rollout of the North transmission network, laying the groundwork for enhanced connectivity, reliability, and capacity across Fiji’s digital landscape.

 

L to R – Charles Goundar CEO-Telecom Fiji, Brent La Franchie Executive GM-Kordia Solutions Business, Ashika Nandni Financial Controller-Telecom Fiji, Samuela Vadei GM Human Resources & Corporate Services-Telecom Fiji and Mesake Tuinabua Chief Technical Officer-Telecom Fiji.