Nationwide Early Warning System and Strengthening Disaster Communications Project (NEWS) Featured
2 September, 2021. Two teams from the Department of Communications (MEIDECC) and the Japan Radio Company Ltd (JRC) implemented Component 1 of the ‘Nationwide Early Warning System and Strengthening Disaster Communications Project (NEWS)’ in the islands of Vava’u and Ha’apai on August, 17th – 24th.
Funded by the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tonga, the teams conducted a two-days Operational and Maintenance Manual Training on Transportable Very High Frequency (VHF) Repeater to improve the islands communication infrastructure.
The training was based on the following:
System Operator Course
- Guidance & Operation Practice Maintenance Manager Course
- Maintenance procedure, trouble shooting
- Field maintenance procedure, safety procedures
- Programming and setting up the equipment
Basic Operation Practice
- Guidance on radio communication
- Radio terminal basic operation practice
Director for Department of Communications, Mr. ‘Alifeleti Tu’ihalamaka said, “We were able to test the repeater and handled devices for coverage and it was successful. We also carried out our Annual Radio Licensing Inspection by checking the validity of radio licenses in Ha’apai, required by the laws.
The KU band disk under the ITU VSAT Pacific Connectivity Project that was installed at our old MEIDECC Office was dismantled for replacement.”
“Overall, our teams achieved Component 1 with the training and the coverage testing of the VHF Repeater. This operation were only executed in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u.”
Tu’ihalamaka was accompanied by Taniela Taufa and Takuro Nagai to implement Component 1 of the NEWS Project in Ha’apai while Lutoviko Falemaka, Mele Tu’ipulotu, Mr Kusaba-san and Mr. Obo-san completed the project’s Component 1 in Vava’u.
- MEIDECC
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