Police Minister Mateni Tapueluelu has vowed Tonga will take action over the internet blackout that cut the kingdom’s communication with the outside world in January.
Hon. Tapueluelu said the loss had cost the kingdom $2 million.
“Someone has to pay,” the Minister told New Zealand’s One News.
“I’m sure some legal action will take place.”
As Kaniva news reported in January, the kingdom’s only internet and mobile phone providers, Digicel and Tonga Communications Corporation, were cut off
Tonga Cable used the local Internet Service Provider (ISP) Easynet via Kacific Satellite to maintain essential services.
A Turkish-owned fuel tanker that regularly brings essential fuel and gas to the Pacific has been blamed for cutting the underwater fibre-optic cable that carried Tonga’s internet traffic.
One News reported that satellite evidence showed the Duzgit Venture in the same location as the breaks in the cable. It is believed they were caused by a dragging anchor.
The Turkish tanker arrived in Nuka’alofa on a Sunday, despite entry to the port being banned on the Sabbath
The tanker is reported to have made a circular track across the no anchor area where the cables were cut.
The ship’s owners met with the Tongan Ports Authority in February.
The Duzgit Venture has a gross tonnage of 2166. It was built in 2009 and is registered in Malta.
The main points
- Police Minister Mateni Tapueluelu has vowed Tonga will take action over the internet blackout that cut the kingdom’s communication with the outside world in January.
- Hon. Tapueluelu said the loss had cost the kingdom $2 million.
For more information
Tonga keeps close eye on Turkish tanker after it plunged country into communication blackout
Undersea line has been cut, but could be repaired within two weeks says Tonga Cable