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The Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) has completed the installation of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems at selected sites in Tonga, enhancing communications capabilities and resilience to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
The Tonga Meteorological Service at Fua’amotu on Tongatapu Island and the MEIDECC Department at Neiafu on Vava’u Island are the main sites currently equipped with VSAT systems, and more recently the Ha’apai Islands.
VSAT technology is able to transmit and receive data, voice and video signals via satellite, ensuring reliable connectivity even in the event of disruptions. VSAT facilities across Tonga are important because they serve as backup internet links if the main undersea cable connection fails, as happened during the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hungahapai volcano in January 2022. VSAT systems will also be very useful during emergency situations such as cyclones.
The VSAT was hastily installed at the MEIDECC in Vava’u due to the cutting of the country’s submarine cables in late June, which resulted in internet and telephone outages. The VSAT currently provides working wifi access to the office.
Four locations, including the police station and MEIDECC office in Lifuka and Ha’apai, have also recently installed VSAT systems, while planned works in Nomuka and Ha’afiva were delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
The installation was carried out by TokoWireless Ltd (WANTOK), contracted by PREP.
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