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.
About Telecom Fiji
Telecom Fiji is the country’s backbone telecommunications network provider, offering a wide range of innovative ICT solutions and services to its customers. With a strong focus on delivering cutting-edge technologies and personalized support, Telecom Fiji continues to be at the forefront of the telecommunications industry in the region.
For more information about Telecom Fiji and its services, please visit www.telecom.com.fj.
About Kordia
Kordia is a leading provider of innovative technology solutions to a wide range of corporate and government clients throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Pacific. With more than 65 years’ experience in keeping New Zealand connected, Kordia is continually evolving its product and service offering to meet the changing needs of businesses in an always-on world. Today, Kordia’s offering in the mission-critical technology space spans cloud, cyber security, modern workplace, media, broadcast, maritime, and more. Underpinning all Kordia does is its people – a team of more than 470 technology experts who are trusted by some of New Zealand’s biggest brands to keep them connected and secure. As a State-Owned Enterprise, Kordia is a proudly New Zealand owned business that exists to help businesses create, innovate, flourish and thrive, and provide value to the shareholder.
For more information visit: www.kordia.co.nz.
About Ciena
Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a global leader in networking systems, services, and software. We build the most adaptive networks in the industry, enabling customers to anticipate and meet ever-increasing digital demands. For three-plus decades, Ciena has brought our humanity to our relentless pursuit of innovation. Prioritizing collaborative relationships with our customers, partners, and communities, we create flexible, open, and sustainable networks that better serve all users—today and into the future. For updates on Ciena, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, the Ciena Insights blog, or visit www.ciena.com.
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