A set of High Frequency (HF) radios installed at ‘Eua’s Emergency Operation Centre last week is expected to enhance communication capabilities, during times of disasters.

The equipment provided by the Pacific Emergency Telecommunication Cluster was installed by a team from MEIDECC’s Communications Department, who were sent to the outer island, on 21 March.

Senior Engineer Stan ‘Ahio said government appreciates the support from Pacific ETC to ensure communications between Tongatapu and the outer islands are not disrupted.

“Communications with the outer islands is essential in times of disaster and since the HTHH disaster, Pacific ETC have bridge the communication gap by providing these HF radios. This will ensure that there are back up communication channels available at the outer islands especially when the telecom infrastructures are unavailable or disrupted by a disaster," he said.