Telecommunications in TongaTelecommunications in Tonga include radio, television, telephones, and the Internet. TelephoneMain lines in use: 11,000 (2021)[1] Telephones - mobile cellular: 64,000 (2021)[2] Telephone system: Fixed PSTN, GSM 900 Main Island has 4G mobile. [3]
RadioBroadcast stations: AM 1 (2005), FM 5 (2005), shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 61,000 (1997) TelevisionBroadcast stations: 4 (2005) Televisions: 2,000 (1997) In April 2002 the Tongasat company started its own satellite telecommunication service when it obtained the Esiafi 1 (former private American Comstar D4) satellite (launched in 1981) that was moved to Tonga's own geostationary point. InternetInternet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2005) Country code (Top level domain): .to Broadband internet communication is provided by the Tonga Cable System that went online in April 2018.[4] On 15 January 2022, following a volcanic eruption on the island of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai, the Tonga Cable System was severed, leaving the country without Internet access.[5] Using a satellite dish at the University of the South Pacific, the telecommunications company Digicel provided limited 2G coverage to the island of Tongatapu, as well as giving residents free SIM cards.[6][7] References
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