A broadband satellite company says it's offering the perfect solution for small Pacific nations that currently find it difficult to provide high speed internet to all outlying atolls.
The Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation has entered into a five year agreement with Singapore company, Kacific Broadband Satellites, and is the first Pacific nation to do so.
Photo: RNZ
Kacific's chief executive, Christian Patouraux, says the satellite broadband fits with Tuvalu's needs in terms of being able to reach out and give access to all atolls, and will be a game-changer.
"We're talking about a level of internet speed that is ten times higher than what they get today. It will affect every level of Tuvalu citizens everyday life, whether education, health, security, government service delivery, it's definitely going to be a substantial change in terms of connectivity among the Tuvaluans but also with their communication with the rest of the world."
Christian Patouraux says the technology is specifically designed to serve small nations and still make a profit.
The broadband satellite is expected to go online early 2017.