The Eastern Cable project aims to connect Ojos de Garza in Gran Canaria with Puerto del Rosario and Playa Honda in Lanzarote. Complementarily, the Western Cable will link Barranco de Tenoya in Gran Canaria with Corralejo and Playa Blanca. This initiative establishes two distinct entry nodes—major entry points for connectivity into the islands, improving both resilience and reliability of communications.
This dual connectivity is a cornerstone of the project. In the event of disruptions—common occurrences often caused by fishing gear or anchors—traffic can seamlessly reroute through the alternate pathway. For islands that heavily rely on tourism reservations, digital payment systems, remote work, and digitized public services, any simultaneous loss of external connectivity poses a significant risk. The infrastructure addresses not only technical needs but also the very backbone of the local economy.
Replacing Aging Infrastructure
The new network not only boosts capacity but also replaces outdated systems. The cables currently serving the eastern islands are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, estimated at around twenty-five years. This aging infrastructure played a pivotal role in securing European funding for the project. The European Commission justified its support by highlighting the necessity for robust, redundant submarine telecommunications for the archipelago, along with diversifying what has been a largely undiversified infrastructure landscape.
In particular, Fuerteventura has already seen progress, as demonstrated in May when it signed over the usage rights for two fiber links for 1.24 million euros. This transaction set the stage for commercial exploitation of the future telecommunications capacity, revealing an exciting leap toward modernized infrastructure.
The Next Step: Ground Station Integration
The marine cable laying is just one phase of the project. After depositing the kilometers of cable on the ocean floor, connecting these cables to a ground station is essential. This station serves as the point of integration for the infrastructure into the fiber optic network, an indispensable step for the system’s operational readiness. Canalink, the organization overseeing the project, emphasizes that all stages of construction adhere to strict environmental protection criteria in compliance with local, national, and European regulations. This commitment is aimed at minimizing environmental impact during all phases of development.
As work progresses on these ambitious infrastructure projects, the Islands can anticipate significant enhancements to their connectivity and resilience. The focus remains sharply on ensuring that the telecommunications needs of the communities are met while safeguarding the marine environment—a critical balance for sustainable development.
