Project Semata — School Connectivity, Fiji

Project Semata is a joint initiative of network-equipment vendor Ciena, mobile operator Digicel Fiji, and submarine-cable operator Southern Cross, providing dedicated high-speed internet connections of at least 10 Mbps to public schools in Fiji that previously lacked reliable connectivity.

To improve digital inclusion for students and teachers by delivering dedicated, reliable school connectivity to public schools that lacked it.

In its first year (2023) the project connected three schools in Savusavu (Kamendra School, Savusavu Secondary School, St Bede's Secondary School). In its second year (2024) it extended to three more schools in Suva (Assemblies of God High School, Basden Anglican College, Ratu Sukuna Memorial School).

Across both phases, trade press reported qualitative feedback that the connectivity was well received for improving access to online learning materials, but none of the available sources published quantified academic-outcome data or budget/funding figures for the initiative.

As a vendor-operator partnership rather than a government or NGO programme, continuation depends on the three private partners renewing sponsorship each year; no public commitment beyond the 2024 phase was found.