VODAFONE FIJI
At Vodafone Fiji , Vikash Prasad dedicates himself to the pursuit of technological advancement to provide digital equality and equity to those most in need
With its many islands hemmed by crystalline waters that wash onto white sand and greencarpeted mountains , Fiji is a vista of immense natural beauty .
The archipelago , made up of over 300 islands and 500 islets , was formed as a result of volcanic activity over 150 million years ago . The two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu – which contain almost 90 % of Fiji ’ s total population between them – are the beating heart of the economy , with tourism accompanying minerals , sugar cane and fishing as one of its largest drivers , aiding Fiji in being one of the most developed economies in the Pacific .
Despite this , though , the reality of daily life on Fiji ’ s islands belies the image most of us possess ; it is a developing nation , after all – one that ’ s still battling with the brutal blows inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism and the economy . Pockets of rural Fijian communities still function day-to-day with just 2G or , if they ’ re lucky , 3G connectivity , lacking the infrastructure needed to enhance this further for the time being .
“ IT ' S ALWAYS VITAL TO HAVE A GOOD PLAN IN PLACE . IF YOU HAVE A GOOD PLAN IN PLACE , YOU HAVE THE FIRST PART DONE ”
VIKASH PRASAD CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER , VODAFONE FIJI
But this is where Vodafone Fiji steps in . The company , which is “ the main telecommunications player in Fiji ” ( with 85 % market share ), is committed to “ enriching people ’ s lives ” and overcoming the obstacles currently plaguing the archipelago .
“ When it comes to connectivity , we no longer treat it as a want , but as a basic need for customers now ,” establishes Chief Technology Officer ( CTO ), Vikash Prasad , “ especially in a developing country like Fiji , where there ' s lots of people who still live in these rural or maritime areas .”
Becoming the largest telco network in Fiji Parent company Vodafone is itself a global telecommunications company that dips its toes successfully in a wide array of industry sub-sectors , though it does so with a customercentric ethos that builds “ strong customer affiliation and brand loyalty ”. It is this approach to which Prasad attributes Vodafone Fiji ’ s success . “ Vodafone Fiji is a dynamic and fast-paced business , operating in an essential industry ,” Prasad states , highlighting the differentiating factors of the company . “ Our vision is to be the most admired
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