TOKELAU CUT OFF AS TELECOM SATELLITE WANDERS
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI, Jan. 17) – Communication links with
Tokelau remain virtually cut-off after the main Intelsat satellite covering
the pacific area drifted off its course at the weekend. Service
blackouts were also reported in Tonga and the Solomon Islands. Speaking from
New Zealand, Falani Aukuso, the general manager of Tokelau affairs, says
they have lost contact with the people working on their
telecommunications system. But Mr Aukuso says he has been in contact with the head of
Tokelau’s telecommunications system who is currently in Hawaii
attending a regional telecom workshop with regional counterparts. “He was able
to tell me that they’ve put aside their normal agenda at the workshop
to focus on finding solutions. And apparently - I don’t know how it
happens - but they’ve completely lost the satellite in question but that’s
in conflict with my ability to have contact with my colleagues in Apia,
Samoa, one or two hours ago.” Falani Aukuso says the communicati
ons problem is of particular concern because it is cyclone season, but
he hopes to have re-established contact with Tokelau by the end of the
day.
2005.01.18
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