Technology
Airport solar plant goes online
Thursday 16 October 2014 | Published in Technology
With the flip of two switches at the nation’s largest renewable power installation, the Cook Islands is now on its way to loosening its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Rarotonga switches on to 'Te Mana o Te Ra'
Wednesday 15 October 2014 | Published in Technology
The Cook Islands is set to loosen some of its dependency on fossil fuels. Prime Minister Henry Puna and New Zealand High Commissioner hits the switch on the ‘Te Mana o Te Ra’ solar project today. During an opening ceremony dignitaries are expected to gather together at the airport to mark the completion of the renewable energy project. Officials say it has the potential to provide nearly one megawatt in capacity – roughly five per cent of Rarotonga’s electricity needs. Consisting of over 3000 solar panels, the installation will be operated by Te Aponga Uira staff (pictured here during a training session last week). Te Mana o Te Ra (Power from the Sun) is funded by New Zealand under the European Union / New Zealand Energy Access Partnership.
TAU staff better informed on solar
Saturday 11 October 2014 | Published in Technology
Te Aponga Uira staff now have a better understanding about solar energy as they look to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
MMR to begin e-reporting trial
Friday 10 October 2014 | Published in Technology
Electronic reporting trial for tuna fishery will begin after the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) formalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Web conference discusses accessibility
Wednesday 24 September 2014 | Published in Technology
Ensuring the internet is accessible for all members of society was part of the focus yesterday at a weeklong conference currently underway in Rarotonga.
Internet role in development discussed
Wednesday 24 September 2014 | Published in Technology
An annual conference is underway this week in Rarotonga which hopes to increase the role the internet plays in the development of the nation’s economy.
Digital economy focus for conference
Monday 15 September 2014 | Published in Technology
Internet cost is a major issue in the Cook Islands, as it is also for other countries in the Pacific. Understanding how the internet works, its importance to our economy and how we might reduce its costs are the purpose of a series of information workshops, technical training and a mini conference which will be held during the week of September 22-26 at the Pukapuka Hall opposite the National Auditorium. The Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) will be holding its annual i-NET conference here on Rarotonga (PacINET2014). The conference is being hosted by the Government of the Cook Islands and is being coordinated on their behalf for PICISOC by the Cook Islands Internet Action Group (CIIAG).The Chair of the PICISOC Board, Maureen Hilyard, would like to invite members of technical support teams from government and private sector organisations, as well as the general public to attend both the workshops and the conference. It is hoped that employers will consider this a unique and free information and training opportunity for their IT staff.The activities offered have been specifically designed to provide the local IT community and the general public with an information package about internet development within the Pacific region and its impacts on the growth of the internet in the Cook Islands. PICISOC would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of Telecom Cook Islands, not only to cater for the internet needs of presenters and participants at the conference and workshops, but also to support the delivery of this conference to remote participants across the Pacific and beyond who are unable to attend in person. There is strong interest in PICISOC activities by the ISOC and ICANN communities internationally. ISOC is the Internet Society of which PICISOC is one of over 100 chapters worldwide which focuses on creating change through partnerships and expertise in policy, technology and communications. ISOC works in close collaboration with ICANN - the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers – without which the internet could not operate. It provides the means by which computers communicate with each other on the internet – IP addresses. More information on this will be available at the conference.The purpose of PICISOC within the region is to support Pacific economies to gain an understanding of the many ways in which the internet can benefit communities and can contribute to economic development. It also offers technical and policy advice and support that will encourage development and, at the same time, contribute to responsible internet governance.Registration before 22 Sept is essential. Simply send an email to pacinetparticipants@gmail.com with your (1) name (2) organisation and (3) indicating which days or sessions you would like to attend. Monday and Tuesday are when the Training workshops will be held (technical training in the afternoon). A Disability Workshop will be held over the two days. The conference will open on Wednesday and keynote speakers from overseas will present. Thursday is for regional updates and local showcases and Friday will involve panel discussions on ISOC and ICANN issues. This is where you can learn more about both of these organisations.More detailed information about the training and conference programmes for September 22-26 can be found @ http://www.picisoc.org/pacinet/pacinet2014-programme.
Brown in Brunei for telecom meet
Saturday 13 September 2014 | Published in Technology
Finance Minister Mark Brown visited Brunei this week, where he attended a regional telecommunications meeting.
Competing submarine internet cables for the Pacific region?
Thursday 4 September 2014 | Published in Technology
Global telecommunications firm Digicel has announced a proposal for a submarine internet cable linking Pacific nations – an idea that could potentially bring broadband service to the Cook Islands.
New site to help customers manage data use
Friday 29 August 2014 | Published in Technology
Telecom Cook Islands is launching a new addition to its website to help customers manage their high-speed internet data usage.
Waiting continues for Telecom bidders
Thursday 14 August 2014 | Published in Technology
Three parties vying for a majority stake in Telecom Cook Islands are still waiting for a decision to be made by the seller.
Tech courses aimed at older beginners
Thursday 17 July 2014 | Published in Technology
Those keen to delve into the world of modern technology are being invited to sign up for two new courses being run by the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute.
O3b satellites successfully launched
Monday 14 July 2014 | Published in Technology
New global internet provider O3b Networks has successfully launched its next group of four satellites from the Space Center in French Guiana.
Cable internet one step closer?
Monday 7 July 2014 | Published in Technology
A $65 million commitment by a New Zealand crown corporation has brought an undersea cable linking the United States to New Zealand one step closer, drawing further interest from the Cook Islands Government.
O3b counts down to launch date
Saturday 21 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Internet provider O3b networks, which provides fast internet in the Cook Islands, is fuelling its second group of four satellites in preparation for a July 10 launch.
New boss for Telecom Cook Islands
Wednesday 18 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Telecom Cook Islands has appointed a temporary chief executive, who says his role is about much more than just “steadying the ship”.
Telecom issues iPhone warning
Thursday 12 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Telecom Cook Islands has issued a warning to iPhone users in light of unexplained data usage some people are experiencing.
Telecom offer period closes
Wednesday 11 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Telecom New Zealand says “several” parties have formally expressed interest in buying its 60 per cent share of Telecom Cook Islands.
Editorial: Telecom data management a battle
Wednesday 11 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Having incurred more than $200 in excess data charges on my first full month with Telecom Cook Islands, I took the company’s advice and installed a data tracker on my iPhone 4S and monitored it several times a day.
Last days for local Telecom offers
Monday 9 June 2014 | Published in Technology
Any locals looking to make an offer to buy Telecom New Zealand’s shareholding in Telecom Cook Islands have only a few days left.
