Tonga: Internet services resume in Tongatapu and Eua islands Feb. 22

Event

Authorities in Tonga have resumed internet services in Tongatapu and Eua islands as of Feb. 22. Internet service disruptions have been ongoing in Tonga since Jan. 15 after a volcanic eruption and tsunami damaged undersea fiber-optic cables. Reports indicate that telecommunications service provider Digicel has restored the cable connecting Tonga to Fiji and other international networks. However, repairs to the domestic cable connecting the main island Tongatapu with outlying islands are ongoing and could take up to six to nine months. Officials stated that communication using interim satellite services to outlying islands will likely improve after Tonga's networks switch the main island from satellite to fiber.

Residual disruptions may affect communication and security systems, commercial operations, and online services that rely heavily on internet access in Tongatapu and Eua islands.

Advice

Plan for possible lingering internet disruptions in Tongatapu and Eua islands over the coming days. Liaise with your service provider regarding likely restoration time and any quality issues.