Cook Islands

ETC Activities

The ETC is not activated in Cook Islands. The ETC is focused on preparedness activities in Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) project, lead by WFP.

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.

ICT Profile

Country background
Country name
Cook Islands
Capital city
Avarua
Name of national disaster management agency

Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI)

Name of telecommunications ministry

Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM)

Name of telecommunications regulator

Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC)

Population

13,222

Country narrative

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.

Currency

New Zeland Dollar

Key ICT statistics
Fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

7.3

Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

123

Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

12.4

Mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

98.6

GSMA mobile connectivity index score

60

3G coverage % of population

99%

Regulations and rules
Description

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.

Regolations/Rules
Type of regulation
Disaster management
Policy name

Disaster Risk Management Act 2007

Description

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.

Type of regulation
Telecommunications
Policy name

Telecommunications Act (2019)

Description

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.

Communications service providers
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Blue Sky Cook Islands
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Parent company name (majority holding)
Blue Sky
Service description
It has a physical precence in all 11 of the populated islands.Connectivity is currently via satellite however there are plans to connect to the Manatua submarine cable. Currently Rarotonga and Atutaki, have 4G coverage, the outer islands have GSM and data
Coverage map (provide URL)
-
Mobile money service available
Yes
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Broadcast radio
Country name
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC)
Radio station name
Radio Cook Islands (RCI)
Official public broadcaster
No
Service description
It provides news, music, cultural programming, and emergency broadcasts across the islands.RCI broadcasts on AM and FM frequencies, with the main station based in Rarotonga.
Band
RCI broadcasts on AM and FM frequencies, with the main station based in Rarotonga.
Broadcast frequency
RCI broadcasts on AM and FM frequencies, with the main station based in Rarotonga.
Geographical reach
It serves both the Southern and Northern island groups, though coverage in remote atolls may be limited or supplemented by satellite and community relay stations. Programming is delivered in both Cook Islands Māori and English.