Tonga Optical Cable Manufacturer Inquiry

Tonga Cable Limited (TCL) is the state-owned enterprise responsible for Tonga's submarine fiber-optic cable system connecting Tonga to Fiji.

Company Overview

Tonga Cable Limited (TCL) is a public enterprise, 80% owned by the Government of Tonga, established to provide reliable, high-speed internet services through the management of the country's submarine fiber-optic cable network. The company was formed in November 2009 with government approval to build and operate the cable system, and it officially began operations in 2011–2013.

TC

L is the sole provider of fiber-optic services in Tonga, ensuring connectivity to international networks via Fiji.

Submarine Cable System

The Tonga-

Fiji Submarine Cable System spans 827 kilometers (514 miles), linking Nukuʻalofa, Tonga to Suva, Fiji, where it connects to the Southern Cross Cable Network. The cable was commissioned in August 2013, with an extension to the Haʻapai and Vavaʻu islands completed in April 2018. The system significantly improved internet services in Tonga, increasing capacity fivefold, reducing wholesale prices by 83%, and lowering latency by 96%.

Financing and Construction

The project was financed through a combination of World Bank and Asian Development Bank grants, along with contributions from the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC). The total project cost was approximately $32. 8 million, covering civil works, cable procurement, consulting services, and taxes.

Installation was completed under a turnkey contract, initially valued at $18. 8 million and later adjusted to $21. 4 million to accommodate additional equipment.

Operations and ReliabilityTCL has maintained 99. 99% availability on the cable, with significant unused capacity available for expansion. The company manages repairs and maintenance, including addressing disruptions caused by natural events such as the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption.

Specialist repair ships, such as those from SubCom, are deployed for cable restoration when necessary.

Summary

Tonga Cable Limited is the key organization managing Tonga's optical fiber infrastructure, providing international connectivity, high-speed internet, and ongoing maintenance of the submarine cable system. Its operations are critical for the country's digital communications and economic development.