Media Releases '11

Free M-PAiSA for Six Months
14 December, 2011
Vodafone has announced zero fees and charges on all M-PAiSA transactions for the next six months calling it the “Free for ALL” promotion. Effectively, customers can now use Vodafone’s M-PAiSA service to do any M-PAiSA transactions at no cost to the user. Customers will be able deposit money and withdraw cash from their M-PAiSA account at no cost. They will also be also able to send money to any mobile number and also receive money in their M-PAiSA account anywhere in Fiji at no cost; there is no sending and withdrawal fee. Read more

SPBD Microfinance Opts for M-PAiSA
7 December, 2011
South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance (Fiji) Ltd. and Vodafone have entered into an arrangement whereby SPBD clients will now be able to make their loan repayments and savings build-up through M-PAiSA. SPBD is Fiji’s first independent greenfield microfinance institution that provides easy access to financial services for disadvantaged households, particularly the women members in Fiji. SPBD has been providing successful microfinance services in Samoa and Tonga for the past eleven years. These services are in the form of small, unsecured loans and saving accounts. It provides small loans ranging from $250 up to $5000 for women to assist existing or start up micro-enterprises particularly in rural areas. These loans are paid on a weekly basis on the average of $25 per week. Read more

New Naboro Look
7 December, 2011
Vodafone Fiji have thrown its support behind the new look Naboro Minimart which was officially opened on Saturday by the Commissioner of Prison Lieutenant Colonel Ifereimi Vasu. The new look community store in an initiative by the Commissioner to assist participants in the Yellow Ribbon Program sharpen their business management skills and at the same time offer to the community and residents Naboro access to a fully functional general store with whole range products. The newly renovated outlet sells basic food items from frozen goods , clothing , cosmetics, basic hardware and farming equipment and also caters for an internet corner , mpaisa money transfer service , hair saloon and fresh vegetables grown by the inmates of Fiji Correctional and Rehabilitation Center. The shop has been operating for 36 years and managed by officers of the Rehabilitation and Correctional Center. With a new vision and approach we have decided to run the shop with proper commercial concepts and have a dedicated team to manage its day to day operation. Read more

Courts is having the Biggest ever Christmas promotion this season.
5 December, 2011
With Christmas fast approaching you may or may not have started your Christmas gift search, but as everyone is finding these days the Christmas budget is a lot tighter. Many people have to be more sensible with their Christmas cash, but as is the true Fiji attitude, we do not let this affect this celebratory time. So here to help is Courts with a Christmas promotion that will not only ease the anxiety that accompanies Christmas, but will also make going through your shopping list much easier. Read more

Super December
5 December, 2011
For the month of December and January, all Vodafone and Inkk customers will be entered into the X Trail texting promotion if they txt MH to 362. The major prize is a brand new Nissan X Trail vehicle worth $79,000 and $25,000 worth of free talk time. On top of this exciting offer all those that text in to 362 from now until December 25th will also get a chance to win one of the following daily prizes Blackberry Storms , Apple ipones,Samsung Galaxy Tablets , Web boxes , flash nets and twenty five $250 vouchers. Read more

We Are Blessed So We Can Bless Others
1 December, 2011
Finance and Support staff of Vodafone Fiji continued their staff engagement initiative today (Thursday 1st., December), visiting Father Law Home in Veisari, outside Suva bearing gifts for the home's 19 residents and 12 staff. Read more

Early Christmas for Harland Hostel
30 November, 2011
It was Christmas come early for residents of Harland's Hostel. They were treated to a surprise visit and showered with Christmas gifts by the staff of Vodafone Fiji Ltd yesterday. The Harland Deaf Ministry Trust, founded by Mrs. Vivian Harland in the 1990s, seeks to provide care and education for the deaf children of Fiji. The Trust is also the core founder and operator of the Gospel Deaf School and Gospel Deaf School hostel. Read more

Never give up hope
15 November, 2011
“Never give up hope.” These are the word of Jasvin Lala, after being named the Gold Medal Winner and receiving $1000 cash from Vodafone Fiji for this year’s USP’s School of Journalism Awards. The elated Jasvin said, “This award and cash incentive acts as a motivator that hard-work does pay off and stimulates the mindset of the upcoming graduating students that their effort will not be wasted but appreciated.” Read more

World of Apps for Vodafone Fiji Blackberry Users
8 November, 2011
This week Vodafone Fiji officially announced the launch of App World for its BlackBerry customers. Vodafone Fiji's BlackBerry users now have access to BlackBerry's latest offering; App World, which as the name suggests, is a constellation of applications for Blackberry devices. App World is free to access and many of the 300,000 applications, 40,000 games and 14,000 themes are free to download, with such offerings as Facebook, Twitter, BBM and even an application which turns your BlackBerry into two torches, free. Read more

Interconnect Price Determination
8 November, 2011
The price determination by Commerce Commission on interconnect call termination rates for calls generated and terminating locally is in line with the glide path reduction in the interconnect rates agreed earlier between the Commission and the operators. Accordingly, there is no real surprise in the local interconnect price determination. Read more

Vodafone Fiji's Webbox Gives Internet on Your TV
15 September, 2011
Vodafone Fiji today unveiled Webbox, a revolutionary device that will change the lives of many Fijians by providing affordable and easy internet access through the customer's existing television set. Webbox is basically a computer keyboard with a provision for a SIM card to access internet using Vodafone network. Webbox is a Vodafone innovation developed specifically for customers in emerging data markets, where technology and cost barriers for buying computers prevent many from enjoying affordable and easy access to Internet. Read more

Vodafone Prepay planned outage
13 September, 2011
Dear Prepay Customers, Vodafone will be carrying out maintenance work on our systems at 1.30am tomorrow (Wednesday 14th, September 2011). An outage of approximately half an hour will occur at this time and will affect ALL Prepaid Services.  During this outage Prepay Customers will be unable to make or send and receive calls and texts, and will not be able to access the internet and other data services.   We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.   About Vod... Read more

Auckland initiates launch of M-PAISA through Lotus Forex
13 September, 2011
A partnership between Vodafone Fiji and Lotus Foreign Exchange saw the expansion of the popular locally Fiji-based M-PAISA money transfer across the borders. The international money transfer (IMT) service through mobile phone was initiated in Auckland City and was the first such initiative in this part of the world. Read more

International Money Transfer through M-PAiSA
9 September, 2011
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday launched Vodafone's International Money Transfer service through M-PAiSA. This new and innovative service is Read more

ANZ Bank Signs on as M-PAiSA Agents
8 September, 2011
Vodafone Fiji Limited signed an agreement yesterday allowing its customers access to any one of ANZ's 16 branches as M-PAiSA agents. Read more

Notice - BlackBerry planned upgrade
8 September, 2011
Vodafone wishes to inform all its BlackBerry customers that due to a planned upgrade of the BlackBerry® Internet Service software and BlackBerry® Provisioning System by Research In Motion (owners & providers of the BlackBerry system), there will be disruptions to the BlackBerry service for the whole of the Asia Pacific region, including BlackBerry customers of Vodafone Fiji Read more

Lomaiviti Man Drives Away with a Brand New SUV
31 August, 2011
A very lucky Vodafone customer had his prayers answered after winning a brand new 4WD SUV worth over $60,000. Nacanieli Vinaka, sent only 1 txt on the final day of the txting promotion jointly organized by Vodafone & Hibiscus Event Group as part of the 2011 Vodafone Hibiscus Festival. The promotion was launched July 1st,2011 and drawn Aug 27th minutes before the crowning of Miss Hibiscus Read more

Launch of LICI Premium Payment Through Vodafone M-PAiSA
22 August, 2011
In an initiative that could be termed futuristic and path breaking, Vodafone Fiji and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LICI) have jointly teamed up to bring out a innovative first of its kind premium payment gateway using the M-PAISA platform. His Excellency Mr.Vinod Kumar, the High Commissioner of India to Fiji launched this project at the Vodafone corporate headquarters in Suva today, the 22nd of August 2011. Read more

Vodafone Launches BlackBerry On-Demand
17 August, 2011
Vodafone has today announced a new prepay BlackBerry service called BlackBerry On-Demand. Vodafone's Chief Operating Officer, Pradeep Lal said, "Launching BlackBerry On-Demand, the BlackBerry prepay service gives our customers access to great services at anytime . BlackBerry smartphones is synonymous with both corporates and consumers and is considered one of the best smartphones when it comes to productivity, security and convenience. Read more

Judicial Extends M-PAiSA to Pay Fines
17 August, 2011
After a successful adaptation of Vodafone's M-PAiSA services for the disbursement of child support maintenance payment, the Judicial Department has now extended M-PAiSA as payment option to pay traffic and criminal fines imposed by the courts. In early July about five recipients opted for the maintenance payment by way of M-PAiSA. This number has grown steadily in the last couple of weeks with 30 recipients opting to receive their maintenance payment by way of M-PAiSA. Read more

Vodafone's 40% Reduction in Internet Charges
8 August, 2011
Vodafone has announced a 40 per cent reduction in mobile internet charges, down to $2.99 per megabyte from $4.99 per megabyte, with effect from Wednesday 3rd August. Vodafone's Chief Operating Officer, Pradeep Lal said this reduction was a drop in charges and not just a short term promotion. Mr. Lal said the new prepay rate would help its customers access data services more cost effectively. Read more

Vodafone Handovers $50,986 to Fiji FA from SMS Revenues
5 August, 2011
Vodafone Fiji yesterday presented a cheque of $50,986.91 to Fiji Football Association as part of their 50% share from the joint SMS promotion for the National Football League and Fiji FACT Soccer Tournament. Presenting the cheque to Fiji FA, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Vodafone Fiji, Mr. Shailendra Prasad said, Since Vodafone took up the sponsorship of Fiji FA in 2008, our total financial contribution to Fiji FA including the sponsorship monies, SMS revenue and ticket purchases have been in excess of $430,000 over the last 3 and half years. Read more

Treasure Island Staff Wins Kia Rio.
21 July, 2011
Monika Buka from Votua Village in Ba is the winner of the Kia Rio text and win promotion run by Kia Motors Fiji in conjunction with Vodafone. Ms. Buka, who works in the Food and Beverage department at Treasure Island Resort, was still incredulous and excited hours after finding out her good fortune and plans to keep the silver hatchback for her personal use. Read more

Suva City Council adopts M-PAiSA Payment Option
15 July, 2011
Suva City Council yesterday joined its sister municipal councils to open up Vodafone's M-PAiSA as an alternative payment channel for five of the council services. Through this convenient mobile phone channel, Council ratepayers and users of other services will now be able to pay their city rates, business license fees, market stall fees for Suva Market, taxi base fees by taxi proprietors operating in the Suva City boundary and also payment of parking meter fines. Read more

Vodafone Customers Raise More Than $1000 Already for WOWS Cancer Fund.
14 July, 2011
Rugby Star Nicky Little's commitment to shave his head to help raise funds for WOWS or Walk-On-Walk-Strong, the fundraising appeal for children with cancer, has received another corporate supporter in the form of the country's biggest mobile operator, Vodafone. Vodafone announced that all of it's customers could donate money from their phone credit towards Little's target in a few easy steps Read more

Vodafone Supports CPA Congress
12 July, 2011
Vodafone Fiji today announced the sponsorship of the Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) Australia, Fiji Branch Congress 2011, as it continues its support for one of the largest accounting bodies in the world. Fiji's leading mobile communications provider has been supporting the CPA Congress for the past few years and has today announced a total sponsorship package of $110,000, becoming CPA's major sponsor for the next 3 years. Read more

Vodafone Masters 2011
5 July, 2011
The inaugural Vodafone Masters Golf Tournament was held in Nadi Airport Golf Club on July 2nd which attracted top golfers from the Sigatoka to Ba region and a few keen golfers from Suva. More than 60 golfer turned up to enjoy the sun on the magnificent golf course for the 18 Holes Hawaiian Ambrose tournament held in conjunction to the 17th birthday celebration of Vodafone's operation in Fiji. Read more

Water Bill through M-PAiSA
27 June, 2011
If you are one of those many people who forget to pay their water bills on time, this may just be the service for you. Vodafone in partnership with Water Authority of Fiji have now opened up the M-PAiSA bill pay service for WAF clients to pay their water bills directly from their mobile phones. The Acting CEO of WAF, Mr. Opetaia Ravai said, WAF is owed a substantial amount in unpaid bills. This has a ripple on effect on ability to deliver this very essential service and basic need to the people of Fiji. We realize that the longer a bill remains uncollected the less likely chance of it being collected as people have competing financial obligations which they need to fulfil. We also realise that convenience is key factor in timely collections. Our decision to open up Vodafone's M-PAiSA is to allow our clients a convenient payment option to pay their bills on time Read more

Vodafone Fiji Fact Live
7 June, 2011
2011 Vodafone Fiji FACT made available to a global audience with Mai TV. Read more

Sigatoka Next to Adopt M-PAiSA
6 June, 2011
Sigatoka Town Council next to adopt Vodafone's M-PAiSA as a mode of payment Read more

Nadi Town Rates Now Payable via M-PAiSA
31 May, 2011
Nadi Town Council adopts Vodafone's M-PAiSA as a mode of payment. Read more

Pay Your FDB Loan Through M-PAiSA
27 May, 2011
Vodafone offers M-PAiSA as a payment option for all FDB clients Read more

Town Rates Now Payable via M-PAiSA
27 May, 2011
M-PAiSA enables Vodafone and Inkk customers to make town rate payments Read more

FEA Bill Payment Made Easy
19 May, 2011
Vodafone in partnership with FEA opens up M-PAiSA bill pay service Read more

Vodafone Fiji Red Alert gives $59, 000 for Christchurch Relief.
30 March, 2011
A cheque for $59, 000 to help with earthquake relief operations in Christchurch was today presented to Phillip Taula, the Acting Head of Mission at the New Zealand High Commission by Aslam Khan, Vodafone Fiji's Managing Director. Read more

PBS TV Adopts M-PAiSA as Payment Option
24 March, 2011
M-PAiSA offers greater convenience and ready access to PBS clients Read more

Nabua man wins trip of a lifetime
23 March, 2011
A 30 year old Nabua man Vinod Kumar has won a dream trip to the 2011 Hong Kong 7s which kicks off on Friday , March 25th. Marist 7s organizers announced the winner at the draw that was conducted at Namadi Heights Police Post on Monday morning. Read more

No Charge to Pay Housing Authority Loan via M-PAiSA
18 March, 2011
M-PAiSA services open for Housing Authority customers to pay their loans Read more

Ba Student Awarded Vodascholar
18 March, 2011
Kavitesh Prasad's family is the most important thing in his life and is the force driving this young man, from Yalalevu, Ba, to succeed. So when Vodafone recently announced Kavitesh as their latest Vodascholar, awarding him with a scholarship that will allow him to complete a three-year degree course at the University of the South Pacific, he was over the moon. Kavitesh, who applied for the Vodascholar award after he passed form seven at Ba's Xavier College last year, will be majoring in Computing Science and Information Systems and plans to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree at the end of 2013. Read more

Winner to Celebrate Anniversary at Sonaisali
10 March, 2011
One of the four winners of the Vodafone Valentine's Day promotion, Tracey Atkinson said she is looking forward to celebrating her 28th wedding anniversary at Sonasali Island Resort with her husband. Originally from the Gold Coast, but now a resident of Fiji, Mrs Atkinson admitted to being "totally stoked" by the win and said she had to call back just to ensure no one was playing a joke on her. "I've stayed at Sonaisali before and loved it, so I'm looking forward to being there again for this special occassion, so thank you, Vodafone," she said. Read more

Vodafone and FASANOC Deny Non-Cooperation Claim
3 March, 2011
Vodafone Fiji and FASANOC have labeled claims by the Commerce Commission that they did not participate in the Commission's investigation in the FASANOC Sports Awards matter as untrue and misleading. This after the Chairman of the Commerce Commission made public statements to the effect that Vodafone failed to participate in the investigation pertaining to the FASNAOC awards 2010. We therefore seek clarification from the Commission to advise Vodafone of the instance/s it failed to cooperate with the Commission in this matter. For the record, Vodafone was asked to respond to just one letter from the Commission dated 17th February which it duly replied on 18th February, said the Managing Director of Vodafone Fiji Mr Aslam Khan Read more

Savusavu Winner drives Away with Brand New KIA
28 February, 2011
Executives from Tappoo's and Vodafone today (Feb 24th) surprised 20 year old Zayel Ali by presenting him with the keys to a brand new KIA RIO, the main prize in the joint Cadbury Rio promotion. The hand-over took place at the Kia Motors complex in Garden City and was witnessed by Zayel's dad and uncles who joined him from Savusavu. "When I first got the call from Vodafone I thought it was a prank call so I called their rep in Savusavu to confirm the number and caller,only then I believed it was a genuine call but didn't know what the prize was", Ali said. "When I left this morning some of my friends asked me where I was going and when I said Suva they asked when I was coming back and I said tomorrow,they thought I was mad. Little did they know I would be going back with a brand new Kia Rio. I want to thank Vodafone and Tappoo for having this promotion. It's my first major win and I have been taking part in all their promotions," said Ali Read more

M-PAiSA Part of Global Award
18 February, 2011
Second recognition for M-PAiSA and Vodafone Fiji at an international level Read more

Vodafone Extends 3G Network in Tourism Belt
11 February, 2011
Vodafone Fiji's 3G network along the tourism belt of the Coral Coast and in the Yasawa group has been strengthened further with the commissioning of 3G base stations at the Warwick Resort near Korolevu, the Naviti Resort and on Tavewa Island. Areas now receiving 3G coverage from the two new additions on the Coral Coast include both resorts, the Queen's Highway from the Warwick toward the Beach House, and Maui Bay and the Queens Highway towards Korolevu. Other popular Coral Coast destinations already enjoying Vodafone's 3G coverage include The Hide Away, Outrigger on the Lagoon, Shangri-La's Fijian and Tabua Sands. Read more

Grandmother Set to Rock in Rotorua
7 February, 2011
Lorraine Knowles- Sokmasa,  a sprightly grandmother from Nasinu joked that she wanted to get dread-locks in preparation for her trip to Rotorua, New Zealand, to attend Raggamuffin 2011.   Lorraine is one of five Vodafone customers who won airline tickets, concert tickets and spending money to attend the international reggae festival's opening concert at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday 5th February.     "I texted only six times and I never expected to... Read more

Bride-to-be Speechless at Vodafone Windfall
1 February, 2011
Moreesha Deenshwat of Samabula gets married this month and as every bride-to-be knows, it can be a stressful time with budget always a big priority. So imagine her joy when, in front of customers, staff and Chief Guest Mr. Chandu Umaria, she was told that she'd won $10, 000 in Vodafone's Win Big promotion. Read more

Grasscutter wins Vodafone Cash
1 February, 2011
7 year old Imtiaz Ali cuts grass for a living and lives with his wife of one year and his father in Suva's Jittu Estate. When he left home on Saturday morning for Vodafone's Triangle store he thought he had won a recharge card and told his wife he would call her once he'd topped up his credit. Read more

UN Invitation for Foundation Executive
27 January, 2011
Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Executive, Ambalika Kutty will be one of 25 representatives from Asia Pacific in a global review of volunteerism to be held next week in Bangkok, Thailand. Mrs. Kutty has been invited by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) organisation to be part of consultations as it prepares the first ever report on the State of the World's Volunteerism, which will be launched on International Volunteer Day  December 5th, 2011. According to UNV, the State of the World's Volunteerism Report will present an alternative vision to the one widely prevailing today, regarding what volunteerism is and why it is important. Read more

Hansons Car Winner Had No Idea of His Prize
21 January, 2011
When Josua Caleb, an employee of Vatulele Island Resort and his mother Tulia Jegesa were picked up from their Samabula home yesterday (Thursday 20th) by Vodafone staff, they thought they'd won a back to school pack or some cash. But instead of being driven to Vodafone, they were taken to Hanson's Supermarket in Makoi where Josua was presented with his prize, a brand new Geely car worth $20, 000. Lost for words and with tears in his eyes, Josua firstly thanked God for his good fortune and Hansons and Vodafone. Read more

Vodafone Alerts Customers to SMS Hoax
20 January, 2011
Vodafone Fiji is warning it's customers not to be duped by hoax text messages being received worldwide on mobile phones telling the owners that they have won huge amounts of money and/or other prizes. Some Fiji mobile phone owners have received text messages from a series of numbers beginning with +447 that say, "Dear Valued Customer!!! Your Mobile Number has won £450,000 GBP and a NOKIA N95 MOBILE PHONE. Call: +447035934427 or Email:nokiauk.claimsdept1@live.com." Read more