Canalink Enhances Submarine Communication Infrastructure in Fuerteventura
In a significant advancement for digital connectivity in the Canary Islands, Canalink, a company affiliated with the Tenerife Cabildo through the Technological Institute for Renewable Energies (ITER), has announced a major project aimed at enhancing submarine cable communication. With an investment of €1,248,420, Canalink is set to acquire the rights to use two essential fiber optic links that will facilitate the construction of a new branch connecting Costa Calma and Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura.
The Strategic Importance of the New Infrastructure
This groundbreaking project will link the new submarine cable, designated as Base 4, directly to the southern part of Fuerteventura via a submarine branching unit. This connection will integrate the Costa Calma area with the core network of Canalink’s submarine cable system, which also interconnects with Reintel’s terrestrial fiber optic network. This pivotal infrastructure will act as a key interconnection point that enhances transmission capacity and improves the redundancy of existing communication routes.
Enhanced Resilience for Southern Fuerteventura
One of the standout benefits of this new infrastructure is its capacity to provide increased resilience to the communication systems in southern Fuerteventura. By integrating this new branch, the region will be better equipped to handle potential issues that might disrupt service. This anticipated improvement is crucial for both residents and businesses, ensuring minimal interruptions in digital connectivity.
Government Support and Funding
The project is being substantially supported by the Spanish Government’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. Through the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and backed by the European Union’s Next Generation funds, it has received an impressive total grant of over €4.8 million. This funding underscores the initiative’s commitment to improving the redundancy and security of telecommunication networks across the archipelago.
Urging Digital Transformation
Rubén Molowny, the CEO of Canalink, articulates the importance of this new fiber optic connection, stating that it represents a critical leap in connecting southern Fuerteventura to Puerto del Rosario. He emphasizes that this connection plays an integral role in driving the digital transformation of both public and private services, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the island’s economy.
Connecting to the Greater GC-LNZ-FU Ring
The new branch not only aids in local connectivity but also positions Fuerteventura within a broader digital landscape. This infrastructure is a vital component of the GC-LNZ-FU Ring project, which aims to establish a ring of fiber optic submarine cables linking Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. With a projected budget of €34 million—€23 million of which is allocated from European Connecting Europe Facility funds—the initiative seeks to modernize aging cables that are nearing the end of their lifespan, ensuring stable and reliable connectivity for the eastern Canary Islands.
A Strategic Alliance with Reintel
In addition to the infrastructure development, Canalink has also entered into a 25-year usage rights agreement with Reintel. This contract solidifies the partnership between the two companies, paving the way for future projects related to critical telecommunication infrastructures. Through this alliance, Canalink aims to offer a more comprehensive and robust telecommunications service across the islands, greatly enhancing coverage and service quality.
A Forward-Looking Collaboration
The technological collaboration between Canalink and Reintel will enable Reintel to continue its operations as a neutral telecommunication infrastructure operator in the forthcoming years. Simultaneously, it will establish Canalink’s reputation as a key neutral operator for submarine cables in the Canary Islands, playing a pivotal role in the digital connectivity bridge between Europe and Africa.
A Shared Vision for Economic Development
Francisco Blanca, the Executive Director of Reintel, shared his thoughts on the collaborative agreement, highlighting that it strengthens the partnership with Canalink and positions both companies strategically for future initiatives aimed at boosting the islands’ economic and social development.
In essence, this project marks a monumental step forward for Fuerteventura’s digital future, enhancing not only local communication systems but also connecting the islands with the broader global network.
