Parts of Tonga have been without internet for over two weeks after an undersea cable was damaged in an earthquake, cutting off the island networks of Vava'u and Ha'apai. The outage, which began on 29 June, has affected a third of the country's population and caused significant disruption to local businesses.
The crisis has been compounded by the government's order for Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to cease operations in Tonga until it obtains a licence. Prime Minister Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni confirmed that Starlink had been notified of the requirement, and the company subsequently disabled its services on 10 July.
This is the third time in recent years that Tonga's undersea cables have been damaged, following the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption which caused an 'unprecedented disaster' and cut off internet access. After that incident, Musk sent terminals to help restore communication, and Starlink has since grown in popularity.
Hospitality providers in the outer islands have warned they are at risk of going out of business due to the communications crisis. Darren Rice, a resort owner in Ha'apai, told local news that losing Starlink alongside the cable damage could be dangerous, as it leaves residents unable to call for help, check weather warnings, or contact emergency services. Viki Moore, managing director of Island Cruising, which has 126 yachts in the Pacific, told RNZ that her boats rely on Starlink as there is no viable alternative.
A petition calling for access to Starlink in Tonga has garnered over 1,000 signatures. Prime Minister Sovaleni said the government is working to fast-track a licence for Starlink, while a repair vessel for the damaged cable is still awaited.
