Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help improve internet connectivity on Tristan da Cunha.
The FCDO provides funding to support Tristan da Cunha through Official Development Assistance, which in 2022-23 was valued at £1.5m. In addition, Tristan da Cunha benefits from funding from various programmes led by the FCDO, Defra and other UK Government departments. Internet access on Tristan da Cunha is provided through an FCDO satellite link and the island's communication needs are kept under regular review.
Tristan da Cunha are currently taking steps to review the feasibility of a dedicated supply vessel. This work is considering vessel types and funding options. It is supported by the UK Government's Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and their project partner Finance Earth.