Solar Backup Upgrade - Solar backup has been upgraded to a maximum capacity of 40Amps on each site. The average load demand is 18Amps earlier giving an indication that we have more than 50% of surplus capacity to use. Phase 2 of this project is to install 10-20KVA diesel generators on each site for a full hybrid power backup system. This is to ensure a consistent charging of batteries in bad weather if the village grid is unable to supply sufficient power to equipment rooms.

4G LTE Mobile Network - TELETOK launched its new 4G LTE network in May. The Internet offers on normal mobile data devices, dongles, MiFi and modems under phase1. RAN equipment powered to 40W to expand coverage further to the ocean sides. Phase 2 relates to a new band, international roaming and OCS billing.

Multicast - This project is under control by the IT team. Spark NZ hub will provide a multicast service to broadcast GF sessions and any occasion that would enable locals in other villages to access and watch from respective islands. There are two ways of broadcasting to the other two atolls, 1) audio and 2) video.

Redundancy and Satellite Link - Redundancy satellite link is another project as best telecommunications practice for telco operators to have backup links in place for reliable and consistent services. At present, the sole connectivity source is satellites. Tokelau’s remoteness from its neighboring Pacific island countries justifies the need for redundancy links. However, ongoing discussion on the submarine cable between TELETOK and Wellington delays installation on sites.

 

In this regard, if Tokelau migrates to submarine cable, two new 4.8m outdoor antennas will be installed in Nukunonu and Atafu during the shifting to tower sites; otherwise, 3.8m antennas will be installed as backup links with replacement of existing dishes by new 4.8m or 7.2m if final report from NZ that satellite option is superior over submarine cable.

Equipment Rooms and Administration Office - Wear and tear on ERs and main administration office and fast changes in telecommunications network technology, raised an alarm to enlarge them. Fakaofo site would demolish its existing building and construct a new office and storage that fits in all infrastructure present and future equipment. This will be deferred to the 2019-2020 budget period due to the urgency of replacement in Nukunonu and Atafu stations. A shift of equipment rooms to tower sites as approved by the Board and respective Taupulega will execute in 2017/2018 budget period

Unifying Billing Platform - As more telecommunication companies are moving to online charge service (OCS) billing, it is recommended for TELETOK to integrate all current and future services under one unifying billing platform. This is a cost-efficient option considering the fast growth of cloud services in the market. This eliminates having different billing systems with different services at high costly technical support. However, OCS is costly in the market at this stage.

Copper Cable Network - Damages to cable pits along the road is another major concern and TELETOK  will consider shifting pits above ground to save from seawater and drains. In principle, sustaining copper cable is recommended otherwise, a domestic fibre optic cable as endorsed in March will substitute copper or may complement copper. This initiative is still in discussion between TELETOK and interested vendors. TELETOK has reached out to the Administrator for
support at this early stage.

Network Firewall - TELETOK currently uses the Dell SonicWALL firewall. However, the existing solution is originally designed for private networks and/or small-sized networks and limited capabilities and features for commercial networks. Such limitations encourage procurement of advanced, powerful and flexible firewall to safeguard the whole network infrastructure while allowing for integration, expansion and add on. The new Dell firewall version or from alternative vendors intend to deploy after unifying all services under one compatible billing platform.

New Residences - Growth in services encourage shelters to enable rotation of technical managerial staff on the three islands as a motivating factor of performances and changing mindset. Apparently, the initiative has been shared verbally in principle and appears to be supported at the Board level.

Submarine Fibre Optic Cable - Submarine cable is a way forward for a digital Tokelau in terms of fast broadband connectivity. This initiative is in progress between relevant authorities in Tokelau, Wellington and interested cable vendors.

 

On a way forward, Southern Cross Cable has conducted a sea bed research in April 2017 on Tokelau waters. Samoa Cable Co has shared the interest in its Tui Samoa Cable to Tokelau. Both are under review between TELETOK and NZ MFAT while this plan is written.

National FM Radio - Board recalled a decision in prior years on the national radio and directed TELETOK  to engage in seeking information on a way forward.

Bandwidth Capacity - An ongoing matter on how would TELETOK able to provide key sector requirements on public essential services such as e-Education, e-Health, e-Commerce, and Transport. The current bandwidth capacity is 52 Mbps. Because of significant demand from Government key sectors and expected quality of life in Tokelau in 10 to 25 years-time, demand growth forecasts will be Gbps then.