One of Fiji's mobile companies, Vodafone Fiji, has launched the country's first 3G (third generation) mobile network, which is also the first in the region.

According to Fijilive, 'Vodafone Fiji launched its product, symbolising the future of evolving technology in mobile communication' in Suva this week.

The 3G network, 'the first for Fiji and in the Pacific, will allow for delivery of a wide array of voice and data solutions at higher speed'. This means that mobile users in Fiji, under this network, will be able to have faster mobile internet, make video calls with 3G-enabled phones and other mobile services that require faster internet connection.

'The 3G network is part of Vodafone's $70 million investment this year in infrastructure' and the 'infrastructure is supplied by Ericssons, part of Vodafone's group global purchasing and supply chain management'.

Fiji's Interim Attorney General and Minister for Public Enterprises, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, 'said Vodafone's new network put Fiji on par with the rest of the world' and that 'competition and full liberalisation of the international gateway would bring even better technology and competitive pricing'.

Vodafone Fiji's managing director, Aslam Khan, 'said customers could do unlimited downloads, exchange voice and data at a "super speed", and make video conference calls and vehicle tracking'.
He added that the '3G HSDPA data card, which is slotted into a laptop,enables customers to browse the Internet, send and receive SMS, chat using their existing instant messaging service, access business applications such as Internet based e-mail accounts and connect to their company's network using their company's existing VPN solution'.