Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC), which provides end-to-end telephony and internet services in Tonga, has launched the country’s new mobile-broadband-enabled GSM network, delivered and installed by Altobridge.

The launch, which took place in the capital, Nuku’alofa, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Honourable Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele, followed the award in May 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 the launch event was a demonstration of mobile broadband, based on Altobridge’s EDGE-capable network, in which reliable, high-speed data access and coverage, even to the most remote parts of the island nation.

“We are delighted to have been selected by TCC to deploy its new mobile-broadband-enabled network,” says Altobridge CEO, Mike Fitzgerald. “This network will help maintain and deliver advanced communications to connect Tonga’s population, including the thousands of people who remain unconnected.”