Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. These hazards threaten freshwater supplies, agriculture, and infrastructure, particularly in the outer islands where access to services is limited.
In response, the Cook Islands has adopted the Joint National Action Plan (JNAP) and the Climate Change Policy, focusing on building resilience through integrated risk management, sustainable development, and community-based adaptation.
Telecommunications infrastrucure in the Cook Islands are powered by undersea cable systems for high-speed internet in Roratonga and Aitutaki and satellite-based systems providing connectivity in the outer islands. Telecoms systems are undergoing a significant transformation, with Vodafone partnering with Rivada in 2025 to deploy low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, aiming to deliver high-speed and responsive internet across all islands and enhance digital services in education, health, and government.
Mobile coverage is solely provided by Vodafone, and the Government is working to expand competition through the Telecommunications Market Competition Policy 2019 to improve service quality, and ensuring access across all islands to narrow the digital divide.
Cook Islands' telecommunications during emergencies rely on a combination of traditional high-frequency radio networks for outer islands, a national Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Telecom Centre, and the ongoing deployment of LEO satellite to enhance connectivity and services across the islands. The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster is also working to strengthen national coordination and ICT preparedness in the region, including engaging with Cook Islands authorities.
ICT Profile
Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM)
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC)
13,222
The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands in the South Pacific, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. These hazards threaten freshwater supplies, agriculture, and infrastructure, particularly in the outer islands where access to services is limited.
In response, the Cook Islands has adopted the Joint National Action Plan (JNAP) and the Climate Change Policy, which focus on building resilience through integrated risk management, sustainable development, and community-based adaptation.
Telecommunications in the Cook Islands are undergoing a significant transformation, with Vodafone Cook Islands partnering with Rivada in 2025 to deploy low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, aiming to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet across all islands and enhance digital services in education, health, and government.
New Zeland Dollar
7.3
123
12.4
98.6
60
99%
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) oversees state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including Avaroa Cables Limited (ACL) and Telecom Cook Islands. ACL plays a key regulatory and infrastructure role, particularly in managing the Manatua One Polynesia Cable, which connects the Cook Islands to international broadband networks.
Disaster Risk Management Act 2007
Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) operates under the Office of the Prime Minister.
EMCI is responsible for implementing the Disaster Risk Management Act 2007, which provides the legal foundation for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Telecommunications Act (2019)
The Telecommunications Act 2019 is the primary legislation governing the regulation, licensing, and operation of telecommunications services in the Cook Islands. It replaced earlier frameworks to modernize the sector and align with international best practices. It establishes a regulatory authority responsible for; Licensing telecom operators; Monitoring compliance; Managing spectrum allocation; and Enforcing fair competition.