Telecom Cook Islands and technology partner Huawei have launched the Cook Islands first 3G mobile broadband network, delivering high-speed mobile data to customers and visitors.

The network went live in March with 11 sites deployed around Rarotonga to provide an HSPA+ network capable of connecting smartphones and other devices at up to 21Mbps. The existing 2G technology provided a maximum speed of 238Kbps.

All Telecom Cook Islands customers have been automatically transferred to the new 3G network and will have access to a range of compatible smartphones including the Huawei Ascend Y210 at just $99 with a free SIM and $20 Top Up. The range-topping Huawei Ascend P6 has also just landed in Teleshops this month.

Damien Beddoes, Telecom Cook Islands Sales and Marketing Manager said 3G speeds opened up a world of services and devices which utilise this new level of connectivity.

"This will have a big impact on how our customers are able to integrate technology into their daily lives. True mobile broadband brings marked economic and social benefits and we are thrilled to bring 3G to the Cook Islands.

"A latest generation 3G network will help business users to stay productive while out of the office or travelling. It will also enable the thousands of tourist visitors we see each year to stay in touch with home, share their holiday snaps instantly, or to video chat with friends and family back home, without leaving the beach."

TCIs CEO, Jules Maher said partnering with Huawei New Zealand (responsible for the Cook Islands) ensured ongoing access to world leading technology and support.

Huawei New Zealand CEO, Jason Wu, said it was an exciting project as he had seen firsthand the significant positive impact improvements to ICT infrastructure could bring.

"We are proud to partner with Telecom Cook Islands and have been very impressed with the skills and expertise of the local technicians.

"This network utilises Huaweis SingleRAN technology which allows the 2G and 3G networks to operate seamlessly together, and provides future-proofing with easy upgrades to new technologies such as 4G and even 5G as it becomes available."

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Cook Islands' first mobile broadband network launched