The Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) has completed the installation of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems across selected locations in Tonga, strengthening communication capabilities and resilience to natural disasters and climate change impact.
The Tonga Meteorological Service office at Fua’amotu, Tongatapu, and the Ministry of MEIDECC in Neiafu, Vava’u, are amongst the key locations that are now equipped with VSAT systems, and recently islands in Ha’apai.
VSAT technology, which enables the transmission and reception of data, voice, and video signals via satellite, was set up to ensure reliable connectivity even during disruptions. The VSAT installations across Tonga are important for they become a backup Internet link, should the primary undersea cable connection fail, as seen during the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption in January 2022. The VSAT system will also be very useful during emergencies, such as cyclones.
The VSAT installation at the Ministry of MEIDECC in Vava’u, was hurried due to the domestic submarine cable cut in late June causing the current internet and telephone outages. The VSAT now provides operational wifi access at this office.
Four sites on Lifuka, Ha’apai Island, including the Police Station and MEIDECC office have also had their VSAT systems recently installed, while works planned for Nomuka Island and Ha’afeva are postponed due to poor weather conditions.
The installations were carried out by TokoWireless Ltd (WANTOK), contracted by PREP.
