Friday, 17th May, 2024

Celebrated every year on 17 May, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day marks the founding of the International Telecommunication Union – the United Nations agency for digital technologies.

As we celebrate the power of communication and technology in shaping a more connected World, we are reminded that knowledge has no set boundaries and parameters in today’s digital landscape - and for that reason, Vodafone Fiji has been paving way to bridge the digital divide and empower every Fijian to thrive in the ever-changing digital age.

We have led the way in embracing digital innovation for sustainable development to create a brighter future for all by harnessing the power of technology to address global challenges, foster economic growth, and build resilient communities. Together, we have created a society where innovation drives progress and sustainability guide our path forward in everything we do.

We believe raising awareness about the global innovation gap is crucial because it highlights disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and technology. By understanding this gap, we can advocate for robust and inclusive policies and initiatives that promote equitable innovation ecosystems, ensuring that every Fijian, regardless of background or location, has the chance to contribute and benefit from innovation.

Vodafone Fiji's journey is defined by its relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to bringing cutting-edge technologies to Fiji. Since our inception in 1994, we have invested $900 million in bringing the best of mobile technology to Fijians enabling them to connect to the outside world - empowering them with game-changing services such M-Paisa which has enabled Fijians in living and leading digital financial inclusion initiatives.

We have successfully navigated the ever-evolving digital landscape, adapting to emerging technologies and trends. Through strategic investments over the years, we have laid a solid foundation for growth, ensuring our network remain robust, reliable, and future-ready.

Our leading pace has been consistently attributed to our culture, with a deep understanding of improving the lives of our customers and the promise of making a difference in the lives of all Fijians.

To ensure Fijians can experience the power of seamless connectivity, we keep abreast of the latest infrastructure developments and mobile technologies such as 5G being on the horizon. We will continue to invest in newer technologies and our people to ensure long term sustainability through our digital initiatives.

In addition, we believe addressing the innovation gap fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ultimately driving collective efforts towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

For us at Vodafone Fiji, promoting digital inclusion is essential for ensuring equitable access to opportunities, resources and information in today's interconnected world – and some of the reasons include:

Equal Opportunities, where Digital inclusion allows every Fijian, regardless of their background or circumstances, to resources online, leveling the playing field and reducing inequalities.

Economic Empowerment, empowering access to digital tools and resources enabling individuals and communities to participate in the digital economy. By promoting digital inclusion, we empower our people to create businesses, become job creators, find equitable employment and contribute to the growth of the Fijian economy.

Social Connectivity, Digital technologies facilitate communication and social interaction, allowing people to stay connected with friends, family, and communities around the World. We have paved way for digital inclusion fostering social cohesion and reduces isolation, especially for marginalized groups.

Education and Skill Development, digital literacy is increasingly important in today's society. By promoting digital inclusion, we are providing Fijians with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape, access educational resources, and develop essential digital skills for the future.

Innovation and Problem-solving, digital inclusion ensures that diverse voices and perspectives are included in the innovation process. By including people from all backgrounds, we foster creativity, innovation, and solutions to complex challenges that benefit our society as a whole.

Overall, we believe that promoting digital inclusion is not only a matter of fairness and social justice but also a strategic imperative for fostering economic growth, social cohesion and innovation in the digital age. Let us continue to turn awareness into action and close the digital divide once and for all.

Together, let us bridge the gap and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all and ensure every Fijian has access to the opportunities and resources of the digital age.