SPEECH

VIKASH PRASAD: CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

FRIDAY, 12^th SEPTEMBER 2025
VODAFONE HQ LOWER LOUNGE, TAMAVUA 11.00 AM

5G TECHNOLOGY PRESS CONFERENCE

Bula Vinaka everyone, our invited guests, valued partners, esteemed members of the media, and our dedicated team at Vodafone Fiji.

Today is a momentous day for Fiji's digital future. The recent issuance of commercial license and the assignment of frequency spectrum is a significant milestone for our nation's digital journey, and I am happy to announce that from next Monday, 15^th of September, we will officially launch our 5G network. We are incredibly proud to bring this game-changing technology to the people of Fiji.

As part of the licensing obligation, a phased rollout approach will be adopted with the initial launch of 5G network deployment in the city and town boundaries of Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Denarau. These locations represent Fiji’s main economic corridors, ports, and medical centres, ensuring that from the outset, our commercial hubs, tourism centres, and emergency services gain access to 5G services and begin to experience its benefits.

We will progressively add new areas across the country beyond 2025 to 2028 in line with the 5G coverage license obligation to ensure a strategic and efficient deployment.

We have reached this milestone thanks to major investments in recent years of over $100 million to upgrade and future-proof our network. This commitment is more than just financial, it is a clear statement of Vodafone Fiji's vision for a digitally resilient Fiji. Our goal is to ensure Vodafone Fiji continues to lead in inclusive growth and innovation, helping to empower everyday Fijians and boost the Fijian economy.

With 5G, we will refine the way our customers experience connectivity. Faster internet speeds, lower latency, and the ability to support a massive number of connected devices will enhance everything from entertainment and communication to productivity and lifestyle. Imagine seamless online gaming and high-definition streaming on the go or interacting with a new generation of smart home devices.

For businesses, the benefits of 5G are even more transformative. With improved connectivity, faster data transfer speeds, and lower latency, businesses can unlock new possibilities and optimize their processes. This includes everything from seamless, high-quality video conferencing to lightning-fast file transfers. 5G will provide a superior user experience.

In addition, we are also undertaking investments into modernizing our existing 2G/3G only infrastructure to support 4G services which will improve overall network experience nationwide, ensuring a reliable connectivity services for greater digital inclusion for our customers.

For more than three decades, our brand has been defined by innovation. M-PAiSA and VitiKart are prime examples of how we developed an idea into reality and were first-to-market of such services in Fiji. This commitment has made Vodafone Fiji a household name and a trusted partner for empowering Fijians. We have evolved beyond a simple telecommunications company to become a true industry leader and a trust business partner.

At Vodafone Fiji every single person in this business is essential. From the toughest decisions to the crucial calls our customer care lines receive, everyone has a part in making our brand a success for our customers. This collective effort and shared passion are what has brought us to this moment.

Ladies and gentlemen, this journey to 5G has been a true collaboration. On behalf of the entire Vodafone Fiji team, I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their guidance and support. We also extend our gratitude to the Government of Fiji, the Digital Government Transformation Office and all relevant industry stakeholders for giving us the opportunity to build a nation with a resilient digital future.

In closing, I thank you all for being here today. With 5G, Vodafone Fiji is not just bringing faster speeds, we are building a brighter, more connected future for our nation. We are honoured to have you with us on this journey.

Vinaka and Together We Can!