Tenerife-La Palma

Overview

The Tenerife-La Palma submarine cable system is a critical telecommunications link within the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean. Owned by Telefonica, the cable connects the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, facilitating communication and data transfer between the two locations. While the exact length of the cable is not publicly available, it plays a vital role in supporting the digital infrastructure of the region. The cable is part of a broader network that ensures reliable connectivity for the archipelago, which is geographically dispersed across the Atlantic.

This cable is particularly significant for the Canary Islands, as it enhances inter-island communication and supports essential services such as internet access, voice calls and data transmission. The Tenerife-La Palma system contributes to reducing latency and improving the quality of telecommunications services for residents, businesses and institutions on both islands.

Route and Landings

The Tenerife-La Palma submarine cable connects two landing points within the Canary Islands: Los Realejos on the island of Tenerife and Santa Cruz de La Palma on the island of La Palma. Los Realejos, located on the northern coast of Tenerife, is a municipality known for its agricultural heritage and growing tourism industry. As the largest and most populous island in the Canary Islands, Tenerife serves as a central hub for regional connectivity.

Santa Cruz de La Palma, on the other hand, is the capital of La Palma, the westernmost island in the archipelago. Known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and rich biodiversity, La Palma is a smaller but significant part of the Canary Islands. The cable's route across the Atlantic seabed connects these two points, enabling seamless communication despite the physical separation of the islands. The proximity of the Canary Islands, with Tenerife and La Palma located approximately 100 kilometers apart, makes this submarine cable an efficient solution for inter-island connectivity.

Ownership and History

The Tenerife-La Palma submarine cable is owned and operated by Telefonica, a major telecommunications company with significant investments in submarine cable systems worldwide. Telefonica's ownership of this cable underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity within the Canary Islands and supporting the region's digital infrastructure. The cable is part of a network of inter-island and international submarine cables that link the Canary Islands to mainland Spain and other global destinations.

While specific details about the cable's construction date, capacity or technical specifications are not publicly available, its role in the region's telecommunications landscape is clear. The Tenerife-La Palma cable is a key component of the infrastructure that supports economic activities, public services and daily life across the islands. By connecting Tenerife and La Palma, the cable ensures that both islands benefit from reliable and efficient communication services.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Tenerife-La Palma submarine cable system provides insights into its performance. Measurements are conducted across six monitored corridors, capturing data on latency and other key metrics. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) for the cable is 82 milliseconds, while the average RTT is 146 milliseconds. These figures indicate a relatively low-latency connection, which is essential for maintaining high-quality telecommunications services between the two islands.

The cable's performance metrics highlight its importance in supporting the digital needs of the Canary Islands. Reliable and efficient connectivity is crucial for both personal and professional communication, as well as for accessing online services and resources. The Tenerife-La Palma cable plays a vital role in ensuring that residents and businesses on Tenerife and La Palma can stay connected, contributing to the overall development and integration of the Canary Islands.