The arrival of a second international undersea telecommunications cable for Tonga was celebrated with a handover ceremony in Vava'u. The Tonga Hawaiki Submarine Cable Branch System, which officially landed in Vava'u on 18 March, is expected to bring enhanced regional and global connectivity.
The 383-kilometre cable is a significant step for Tonga's connectivity resilience. It is expected to reduce the risk of further international telecommunications outages, support secure and reliable service, contribute to Tonga's priorities for national digitalisation and economic growth.
This project is jointly funded by Australia, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) providing AUD 35.6 million, and the Government of New Zealand, contributing AUD 19 million.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Government of Tonga and Tonga Cable Limited.
The Australian High Commission in Tonga has stated that work will continue to ensure that cable is ready for service within the next few months.
