Canalink, the public company under the Tenerife Cabildo and linked to the Technological Institute for Renewable Energies (ITER), has successfully completed the deep-sea deployment of the Atlántica project. This milestone was reached with the final shore-end connection executed at Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, marking the end of work undertaken by the cable-laying ship Teliri.
A total of 553 kilometres of underwater cable has been laid, equivalent to nearly 1,300 football pitches. This extensive network aims to enhance connectivity between Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, improving both capacity and resilience in communications across the islands.
The project features an eastern route linking Ojos de Garza in Gran Canaria to Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura and Playa Honda in Lanzarote, alongside a western route connecting Barranco de Tenoya in Gran Canaria with Corralejo in Fuerteventura and Playa Blanca.
Juanjo Martínez, the island’s Councillor for Innovation, Research, and Development, highlighted the importance of investing in strategic infrastructure to bolster inter-island connectivity and create new opportunities for citizens and businesses.
Rubén Molowny, CEO of Canalink, called the completion of the marine deployment a significant achievement within a complex project vital for the future of the Canary Islands. He noted that while the work by the Teliri is complete, the next phase will involve finalising the required infrastructure on land.
Following the marine work, the project will now focus on connecting the underwater network to the terrestrial system. This includes remaining shore-end works in Ojos de Garza, Tinoca, and Corralejo, as well as two drilling operations—one in Gran Canaria and another in Fuerteventura. Additional tasks will involve laying buried conduits and upgrading the telecom stations at the seven connection points, ensuring the submarine cable links up with onshore facilities.
The Atlántica project has a total budget of €34 million, with €23 million funded by the European Union through the CEF Digital programme, which supports strategic digital infrastructure for a more connected Europe.
The new network will enhance communications between the eastern islands, providing greater capacity and alternative routes to improve resilience against potential disruptions. Ultimately, Atlántica addresses the growing digital demands of the archipelago, equipping it for future needs.
This submarine system is designed to work alongside the previously deployed Costa Calma branch, further extending the connection to Fuerteventura. This segment has received funding from the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Public Function as part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
Canalink is a leading player in the underwater telecommunications sector, serving major operators like Vodafone, Masorange, and Maroc Telecom. Its mission is to connect the Canary Islands to the world through innovative technologies tailored to meet customer connectivity needs.
