Mobile bridges Fiji, PNG

 By CHRISTINE PAKAKOTA

MOBILE technology now has the capacity to bridge oceans and mountains and end the isolation of rural and maritime communities, says Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

He made the remarks at the signing of the bemobile and Vodafone deal in Port Moresby yesterday.

Bainimarama said this revolution was already transforming the lives of people.

“Peoples’ horizons are being extended,” he said. 

“People are being empowered. Being connected means better social interaction and better economic opportunities. Business thrives when telecommunications are reliable and affordable.”

Bainimarama said that through the new investment deal, Fiji was extending that revolution to some of its island neighbours.

“Fijians are benefiting from a telecommunications revolution that is empowering our people and providing them with enormous opportunities.”

He said Fiji’s mobile penetration rate was more than 110% compared to around 35% in PNG.

“So there is a huge scope to grow this market, not only with mobile phones but a range of digital telecommunications services,” he said.