Tenerife-Gran Canaria

Overview

The Tenerife-Gran Canaria submarine cable is a 110-kilometer telecommunications link connecting two of the Canary Islands, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, both part of Spain. This short intra-island cable plays a critical role in facilitating communication and data transfer within the archipelago. Owned and operated by Telefónica, one of Spain's largest telecommunications companies, the cable has been in service since 1999. Its primary function is to provide a stable and direct connection between these two populous islands, which are separated by a sea channel. Despite its relatively short length, the cable is an essential component of the Canary Islands' digital infrastructure, ensuring reliable connectivity in this geographically isolated region.

Route and Landings

The Tenerife-Gran Canaria cable connects two specific landing points within the Canary Islands. On Tenerife, the cable lands at El Médano, a coastal town in the southern part of the island known for its proximity to Tenerife South Airport and its importance as a local hub. On Gran Canaria, the cable terminates at Sardina, a coastal area in the northern part of the island. These locations were likely chosen for their strategic positioning and accessibility, as well as their suitability for hosting the necessary cable landing infrastructure.

The route spans the sea channel that separates Tenerife and Gran Canaria, a distance of 110 kilometers. This channel is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by its moderate depth and relatively calm waters, which make it suitable for submarine cable installation. The cable's placement provides a direct and efficient link between the islands, supporting both residential and commercial data traffic. This connection is particularly vital given the islands' reliance on robust telecommunications to bridge their geographic separation.

Ownership and History

The Tenerife-Gran Canaria cable is wholly owned and operated by Telefónica, a leading telecommunications provider in Spain with a significant presence in Europe and Latin America. Telefónica's ownership ensures that the cable benefits from the company's extensive expertise in managing submarine cable systems and its commitment to maintaining high standards of service.

The cable was ready for service in 1999, making it one of the older submarine cables still in operation within Spain's network. Over its operational life, the cable has provided a reliable connection between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, supporting the growing demand for data and communication services in the Canary Islands. Its longevity reflects the durability of its design and the ongoing maintenance efforts by its operator. While no official end-of-service date has been announced, the cable continues to play a vital role in the region's connectivity infrastructure.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that the Tenerife-Gran Canaria cable remains operational and continues to deliver consistent performance. The cable's relatively short length of 110 kilometers contributes to its reliability, as shorter cables typically face fewer technical challenges compared to longer, transoceanic systems. The data throughput and latency measurements align with expectations for a cable of this type, supporting its role as a critical link within the Canary Islands.

Given its intra-island function, the Tenerife-Gran Canaria cable primarily handles regional traffic, facilitating communication and data exchange between Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This connectivity is crucial for both islands, which are among the most populous in the archipelago and serve as major economic and administrative centers. The cable complements other forms of connectivity in the region, such as terrestrial networks and satellite links, ensuring a robust and diversified telecommunications framework for the Canary Islands.