Satellite dishes will enable islanders to send back information, as Fiji switch to digital TV

As part of the Digital TV platform programne the government has plans to deploy high frequency satellite dishes in the remote islands in Fiji's maritime provinces.

These islands include Cikobia, Gau, Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, Ono-I-Lau, parts of Kadavu, Cicia, Matuku, Totoya and Yasawa Islands where dishes will be installed by end of February.

Communications Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says the installation of these dishes will mean the villagers can give information from the islands.

“These are highly remote island locations, maritime areas – where we sometimes in times of Cyclones etc and because of the remoteness they can actually use these specific dishes to be able to send back information. What this does, it actually empowers ordinary Fijians. It gives them access to information and then be able to send back information as well.”

The nationwide rollout for the Walesi digital platform took place in Nadi Monday, with Fijians taking a keen interest in the changing dynamics of television in the country.

Meanwhile, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation chief executive, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says the launch of Walesi nationwide means a lot for FBC as our viewer base will increase.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the last survey results show FBC is the most preferred TV channel.

“It is a good thing for Fiji because those people who have not been able to see before because of the terrain that they have been living in – they can now catch not only FBC but other channels as well. The most amazing thing is those who have been able to see TV, l now they will be able to see it in HD quality. So the picture quality, the sound quality will give a pleasure to watch television and to get more channels on the Walesi platform."

Fijians around the country will now be able to watch eight channels on free to air television.

SOURCE: FBC NEWS/PACNEWS