Telecom Fiji Limited will set up a display at its headquarters to showcase the evolution of Fiji's telecommunication system to commemorate World Telecom Day which will be celebrated on Sunday.

From humble beginnings in 1898, the telecommunication industry in Fiji has seen many changes over the years, from the introduction of the first telephone system to Fiji by the Colonial Sugar Refinery Company in the early days of the Sugar Industry, to the evolution of the switch board system, the humble telephone handset and the arrival of the digital age.

As the only provider of fixed landline communication in Fiji, Telecom Fiji Limited said the switch board system or telephone exchange, is the nerve centre of the industry and has evolved dramatically over the years into the digital system that we currently use.

Ninety nine years ago saw the first evolution of telecommunication technology with the introduction of the Magneto Telephone System in 1910.

This followed the introduction of the Central Battery System in 1930.

The use of Telex Machines was introduced in 1964 and the first digital system came into the picture in 1984.

World Telecom Day is commemorated annually on 17th May, to mark the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865.