A new digital hub is revolutionising life on Hunga island, bringing high-speed internet and vital services to residents.
Once limited to a patchy 3G signal near a school fence, Hunga island now boasts a state-of-the-art Digital Hub providing reliable broadband, laptops, tablets, printers, and teleconferencing facilities.
Launched on 7 February 2025, this initiative is part of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Smart Islands program, implemented in collaboration with Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) and UNOPS.
“You’re connected, but somehow you’re still unconnected,” said Mr Stan Ahio, Acting Director for Communications and Chief Engineer at MEIDECC, reflecting on the island’s previous connectivity challenges.
The hub has significantly enhanced education, enabling teachers to access up-to-date resources and communicate more effectively with the Ministry of Education. For the first time, older students can attend online classes when travel to the main island of Vava’u is hindered by rough seas.
Financial transactions have also improved. With e-banking now possible, residents no longer need to undertake lengthy boat trips to access funds, a key development for the majority of households relying on remittances.
Local businesses are benefiting too. Sellers of handicrafts, seafood, and produce can now connect with buyers via Facebook Marketplace before making trips to the main island, and opportunities are emerging for exporting products like vanilla and coconuts.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to extend the hub’s connectivity to the town hall and health centre using fibre optic cables by June. This expansion aims to further integrate digital services into the community, enhancing access to healthcare and governance.
The Hunga Digital Hub shows how targeted digital infrastructure can empower remote communities, fostering education, economic growth, and improved quality of life.
