TCC Tonga launches new mobile-broadband-enabled network ahead of schedule

Kerry Technology Park, Ireland, 26th August, 2010 – Tonga’s new mobile-broadband-enabled GSM network, delivered and installed by Altobridge, the leading supplier of remote communications solutions, is launched today by Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC), the country’s leading provider of complete end-to-end telephony and Internet services, in the presence of  the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Honourable Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele.

Today’s commercial launch, which takes place in the capital, Nuku’alofa, follows the May award to Altobridge by TCC of a contract for the replacement of the previous macro-GSM network, and is aimed at ensuring the continuous provision of service across the three main island groups: Tongatapu, Vava’u and Ha’apai.  Roll-out has been completed well within the six-month timeframe allocated to the deployment’s first phase.

An integral part of today’s milestone event is the demonstration of mobile broadband based on Altobridge’s EDGE-capable network. Reliable, high-speed data access and coverage to even the remotest parts of the island nation will be demonstrated.
 
TCC Managing Director, Timote Katoanga, said, “Today marks a new beginning in the provision of advanced mobile communications services throughout our nation and we are delighted that Altobridge’s efforts have enabled us to go live earlier than expected. We are also most privileged to have the support of the Tongan Government on this important day and are delighted that the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele, has taken the time to be with us to celebrate the occasion and inaugurate the new network.”

Also in attendance at the event, Altobridge CEO, Mike Fitzgerald, said, “We are delighted to have been selected by TCC to deploy its new mobile-broadband-enabled network and that, combined with our remote communications expertise, this network will help maintain and deliver advanced communications to connect Tonga’s population, including the thousands of people who remain unconnected.”