Source: http://fijigrowth.org/2012/

The National Broadband Policy which came into effect last year has been  billing up to its expectations says the Ministry of Communications  permanent secretary, Elizabeth Powell.

The policy has established a roadmap concerning all future broadband  developments and will lay the foundation for the rapid extension of  reliable and affordable ICT services on an equitable basis.

Powell  says this would “ensure that all industry developments will be  consistent with Government’s plans and established standards”.

Government  has also launched supplementary projects to ensure objectives of the  broadband policy are achieved such as the government tele-centre  project.

“The  tele-centre project was launched to meet the objective of increasing  Internet penetration and community access to broadband,” she said.Under the policy, an initial level broadband service will be made available to people who are able to access it at an affordable price and the service will have a basic download speed of 256 kbps.

“Similarly  Government has ensured that Internet remains affordable to the masses  in line with the plans objective of increasing affordability of basic  broadband services. Currently one can access high speed broadband access  from approx $35.00 a month.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama launched the policy last year which was the result of two year collaboration between the Ministry of  Communications, the public, the local telecommunications sector and the  international telecommunications union.

“The  policy will enhance and promote access to the internet which will in  turn bridge the divide between communities of Fijians who would have  otherwise been isolated,” Powell added.

The policy also aims to provide all primary and secondary schools with broadband access by 2016.