Tonga to deregulate Internet sector
p. 22 · Read in the full issue
THE Tongan government has announced it will deregulate the Internet sector in the Kingdom.
According to a Radio Tonga report, the Government is changing its policy on Internet Service Providers (ISPs) “to allow more competition and improve the quality of Internet services, at a cost-effective and efficient manner.”
It said the aim of the new policy is to provide more Internet access,“in order to develop and enhance education and health, and to accelerate economic development of the Kingdom.”
The government currently has a monopoly on the Internet sector. Two companies were allowed to operate as ISPs, namely the
Tonga Telecommunications Commission (TTC) and Cable & Wireless, but TTC decided to allow Cable & Wireless to operate the service in the Kingdom.
The Tongan government has specified a special condition that all ISPs have a direct link with the main Internet pipe in the United States.
Companies planning to establish ISPs must also fulfill other conditions, including the submission of a development plan, and pay a Pa’anga 5,000 (U 552,965) annual fee for the 12-month renewable licence.The telecommunications unit of the prime minister’s office processes all licences. PNS ■