Tongan Volcano Recovery is Supported by Tait and Partners

Tonga's submarine communications cables were disrupted by an undersea volcanic eruption, which cut out all local communications and left only limited satellite-based international calls.

On January 20, 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcano erupted, bringing catastrophic destruction to Tonga. Many groups from all over the world have stepped in to assist the people of Tonga in their recovery. Tait is happy to collaborate with regional partners to achieve our goals.

The undersea volcano began erupting in December 2021, and its most intense eruption on 15 January 2022 burst with a force hundreds of times that of an atomic bomb, causing tsunamis across the Pacific. The eruption is estimated to have caused $90.4 million in damage, as well as multiple deaths and the interruption of key communications and infrastructure in Tonga and the surrounding islands.

As Tonga recovers from the effects of the volcanic eruption and associated tidal surges, Tait Communications, Logic Wireless, and Mobile Communications Queensland are working to organize emergency communications support. Tonga's submarine communications cables were disrupted by an undersea volcanic eruption, which cut out all local communications and left only limited satellite-based international calls.

Dave Parker of Logic Wireless contacted Finau Hufanga of Tonga's Ministry of Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Energy, Climate Change, and Communications shortly after the eruption on January 15th. Finau has worked with Tait for more than 20 years, according to Dave, starting as a radio engineer at Telecom. Tonga's top priority, according to Finau, is to re-establish connection between the islands.

Con Costi, Tait Australia Channel Manager, rapidly identified that the high-frequency radio equipment required could be provided by Mobile Communications, a Brisbane-based Codan HF distribution and service center and a long-term Tait channel partner.

Nick Stefanou of Mobile Communications generously offered to give 10 high-frequency radio sets when he learned of the need, and Con and Dave have put him in touch with Finau to complete the arrangements.

Tait and Logic Wireless will continue to provide support and assistance to Tonga's administration as the island nation's recovery progresses. Tait Communications sends its warmest greetings to its friends in Tonga and throughout the Pacific Ocean.