Strategy · Ākara’anga ‘anga’anga

Vision, mission and operating model

Ākara’anga ‘anga’anga

ACL’s strategy is aligned to the three pillars of our mission: Operate, Maximise, Contribute.

Our vision · To Matou Orama

Better internet, stronger communities, a thriving Cook Islands

ACL has revised its strategic vision statement to better reflect its purpose, ambition, and identity, especially in light of its evolving role in national infrastructure, digital development, and economic transformation. This simple vision statement will guide decision making in the foreseeable future.

In response to the significant market disruption caused by Starlink and its downstream impact on ACL, the Board and Management convened in June 2025 for a strategic reset session. Facilitated by Annique Davis, the workshop aimed to assess ACL’s current position and recalibrate its strategic direction to address emerging challenges and opportunities within the telecommunications sector. As a result, the organisation’s strategic vision was refreshed, and a clear set of priorities was established to guide decision-making and focus efforts over the coming years.

We do not operate in a vacuum

ACL will achieve its purpose by working with:

  • The Cook Islands Government
  • The telecommunications regulator and the regulatory framework, including the Telecommunications Act 2019 and the Competition and Regulatory Authority Act 2019
  • New and existing players in the emerging telecommunications market in the Cook Islands, contributing to the overall operating model and policy for telecommunications
  • Businesses and citizens of the Cook Islands
  • Its partners in the Manatua Consortium and more widely in the region

Strategy · Ākara’anga ‘anga’anga

Aligned to the three pillars of our mission

We have streamlined the themes for our strategic objectives to better reflect our areas of focus.

Operate

Operational resilience

  1. Maintain optimal performance and reliability of the Manatua Cable system to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for the Cook Islands
  2. Have alternative onward connectivity cable routes
  3. Have agreements in place to ensure timely cable repair

Business optimisation

  1. Optimise operating costs to improve operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining service quality and long-term viability
  2. Identify and implement the most appropriate operating model for ACL
Maximise

International business opportunities

  1. ACL will strengthen and advocate the Manatua Consortium to drive economic benefit and business efficiencies through improved governance, joint planning and collaboration

Local business opportunities

  1. Understand our customers’ businesses, build trusting relationships and explore opportunities that will support their strategic goals
Contribute

Acting as an enabler and collaborator

  1. Contribute expertise to national ICT related policy and strategies, specifically on matters of connectivity, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and other relevant public policy issues
  2. Explore Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities
  3. Strengthen and leverage ACL’s relationships with key donor and government agencies to provide expertise, updates, and insights on the telecommunications market

Operating model · Tōna au rāvenga

How the business runs

Commercial sustainability

ACL will achieve financial sustainability by generating sufficient commercial revenues to cover operating costs, meet debt obligations, and explore external funding to invest in long term resilience and growth of its infrastructure.

High quality engineering and processes

ACL will deliver high quality engineering services aligned with industry best practices, with a strong focus on continuous system improvement.

Investing in our people

ACL will invest in the training and professional development of its engineers, managers, and leaders who will uphold the values and implement the strategies outlined in our SCI.

Corporate excellence

ACL will operate to a high standard of management, planning, operations, health and safety and corporate governance — focused on its customers, staff, stakeholders, and suppliers.

Lean

ACL will maintain efficient operations to support competitive wholesale pricing for service providers.

Buoys marking the Manatua cable route during the landing operation in Rarotonga
Landing the cable in Rarotonga.