Canalink, a public company owned by the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER), has announced the launch of a competition to modernize the submarine cable system that connects all the islands of the Canary archipelago. This project, which updates a network of cables between Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura that is over 30 years old, represents an investment of 42.8 million euros, largely funded by European funds.
The Tenerife Island Council, in a recent statement, highlighted that the project has the support of the Connecting Europe Facility mechanism of the European Union, which will cover up to 70% of the costs in some areas of the project. The initiative will be developed in three main phases: marine surveying, cable manufacturing, and deployment both underwater and on land.
Canalink, with a long history of connecting the islands to Europe since 2004, will supervise and execute the project, which is already open to receiving bids from interested companies. The goal is to establish between 7 and 11 new connections between the islands, significantly improving the telecommunications system of the Canary Islands and the connection of data centers in the islands.
Technological Advances and Benefits for the Archipelago
The President of the Tenerife Island Council, Rosa Dávila, celebrated the initiative, emphasizing that the project will not only improve the connection of the Canary Islands with the rest of the world but will also position the archipelago at the forefront of technology. Dávila highlighted the collaborative effort of local governments from all the islands to make this advancement possible.
Although the oldest cables will receive the bulk of the improvements, the project will benefit the entire telecommunications system of the archipelago, marking the first major update in over a decade. This effort is crucial to ensure a high-quality connection and promote digital transition in the Canary Islands.
Technical Process and Future Expansions
The deployment of the new submarine cable system will require significant technical effort. Specialized ships will be used to conduct marine surveying, and the cables will be designed according to the specific characteristics of the oceanic soils of the islands, respecting the pre-established routes.
The project also includes an optional expansion, which would connect Tenerife with El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma, further expanding the fiber optic network in the archipelago.
Project Inquiries and Monitoring
Interested parties can consult the network map and connections managed by Canalink, including links with Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, other European countries, and the United Kingdom, through the entity’s official website.
This ambitious project reaffirms the commitment of the Canary Islands to technological innovation and the improvement of digital infrastructure, ensuring robust and efficient connectivity for all its inhabitants in the coming years.