Nearly a third of Tonga’s population remains without internet access, with restoration expected only by mid-August. Repairs to damaged cables in Ha’apai and Vava’u were hindered when a special repair vessel from Singapore broke down in Fiji.
MEIDECC Acting Communications Director Stan Ahio explained, “The repair vessel has been stuck in Suva for over a week due to a mechanical fault and fishing net entangled in its propeller.” He added that the vessel is anticipated to arrive in Tongan waters in just over a week.
The Tongan government has granted Starlink a provisional six-month permit to operate. However, Ahio said, “Starlink’s website sales haven’t started yet, and it is still working on activating the Tongan currency.” He added, “It’s up to Starlink to get it up and running as soon as possible.”
Nuku’alofa, the capital, remains unaffected and will host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit on August 26, with guests staying in a Vava’u hotel already equipped with Starlink.
