History of the Pacific Islands was the first European to sail through the islands and sighted Nui during his expedition in search of Terra Australis. European explorers did not return until two centuries later. In 1819 the island of Funafuti was named Ellice's Island; the name Ellice was applied to all nine islands after the work of English hydrographer Alexander George Findlay (1812–1876). The islands came under Britain's sphere of influence in the late 19th century, when each of the Ellice Islands was declared a British protectorate by Captain Gibson R.N., of HMS "Curacoa", between 9 and 16 October 1892. The Ellice Islands were administered
Telecommunications in the Turks and Caicos Islands 2007 broadcasts from The Bahamas are also received; cable television is established) (1997) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2013) Country code (Top level domain): TC Telecommunications in the Turks and Caicos Islands Communications in the Turks and Caicos Islands Telephones - main lines in use: 3,000 (1994) Telephones - mobile cellular: 0 (1994) Telephone system: fair cable and radiotelephone services Radio broadcast stations: AM 3 (one inactive), FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998) A partial list of AM/FM/SW stations in the Turks and Caicos Islands is provided below: AM Radio: FM Radio: Shortwave: Defunct: Radios: 8,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2