Pacific Communications

[fobotcso]

Not strictly aviation, but I hope it'll be allowed.

I've got a son about to journey from UK to The Cook Islands and Tonga for some Medical studies. Like his Dad, he's hooked on advanced electronic communications to keep in touch with family and friends.

Problem is, being a student, his mobile 'phone is a bit restricted on the grounds of cost. His Airtime supplier is Orange and they don't seem to reciprocate with a supplier "down there". I could add him to my Vodafone contract if needs be.

What would be the suggested/ recommended way of hooking up a laptop to Cyberspace for the purposes of sending e-mails and setting up NetMeeting video links. Are there Cybercafés where you can hook up your own laptops?

Got be something better than a note in a bottle. I'd be grateful for some local knowledge and advice.

[Amelia_Flashtart]

Would suggest that you check the following websites - they provide all the info there you are looking for, plus you can email for further information.

Cook Islands - www.cook-islands.com

Tonga - www.tongatapu.net.to

Both places each has one ISP that I know of, and internet cafes available for public use - at least in the main "cities". Once you get into some of the small towns and villages, it is a very different story.

Both places are magnificent and I do hope your son enjoys them. I have lived and worked in both and can say I thoroughly enjoyed my times there. Coming from your part of the world it may take him a little while to get used to Polynesian time!

Hope the above info helps.

[fobotcso]

Thanks

Thanks for replying and also for chasing me down to JB. I've replied there but would like to leave this thread here in case any others of your compadres spot it. There may be others who, like me, rarely go into JB these days.

[Mango3]

Costs.

You might also check out the costs too. It can be high. I used to live in the Pacific region and rates for the sole ISP was $8.00AUD per hour, plus $30.00 a month. Add to this a deposit of $100.00 for the initial startup plus no competion with other ISP's. You may wish to visit the Lonely Planet site as well, and go to the 'Thorn Tree' section. Lot's of info there.

[fobotcso]

Thank You

Thanks for troubling to relpy; all responses will be useful. My lad will obviously be very cost conscious and he won't be there for very long.

So it may yet have to be a note in a bottle.