Fiji's telecommunications sector will be deregulated from this week, following the promulgation of a Bill to that effect.
Fiji TV reports that the deregulation coincides with the arrival of a World Bank team to mediate compensation between the state and telecommunications companies whose monopoly licences have another seven years to run.
The interim minister for telecommunications, Taito Waradi, says the compensation for the loss of the exclusive licences may not necessarily be in the form of cash.
Under the new Bill, a Telecommunications Authority of Fiji has been set up to regulate the industry.
The Bill also requires all telecommunications operators to contribute to a Universal Service Fund to provide services in uneconomic areas.
