FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

5 May 2021

New 2m VHF radio network project completed

The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce that the project to create a new 2m VHF radio network has is now completed and the network is available to use. The work, which has been completed by Sure, has involved buying and installing new VHF radio hardware at eight locations across the Islands.

MLA Barry Elsby, portfolio lead for Development and Commercial Services, said: "The 2m VHF radio network is a lifeline for many people, particularly those in Camp and the Outer Islands, especially where mobile phone coverage is poor. I am very pleased that these improvement works are now complete and that the 2m repeaters are in place and working. Ensuring access to improved communications services and technology continues to be a priority for the Legislative Assembly, and is a key component of our plans to support people who choose to live and work outside of Stanley.”

Catherine Silva Donayre, Director for Development and Commercial Services, added: “2m repeaters have been an integral part of the Falkland Islands communications infrastructure for many years, which is why it was vital for us to ensure that we completed this project to the highest possible standards, so that it will last well into the future. I would like to thank Sure for their hard work throughout the project."

A new technical document has been produced which features information about the new network, including changes to the frequencies and maps which show the predicted levels of coverage. While the network will not be available everywhere across the Islands, the work has expanded overall coverage of the network.

The document is available online by visiting https://www.fig.gov.fk/commercialservices/2m-vhf-repeater-system and the new frequencies will also be shared in the Penguin News this week.

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