The Canary Islands are set to benefit from a major £45 million project to improve digital connectivity, supported by the European Union.
The initiative is part of a wider €142 million (£122 million) funding package aimed at boosting telecommunications across Europe through 21 projects.
The islands will receive €54.6 million (£47 million) to modernise and expand their submarine cable networks, which are essential for fast and reliable internet.
The majority of the funding in Spain, €44.1 million (£38 million), will go to Canarias Submarine Link SL to implement four key projects improving connections between the islands, Canarian Weekly reported.
Another company called Telefónica will receive the remaining €10.5 million (£9 million) to install a new submarine cable linking the Canary Islands to mainland Spain, replacing outdated systems.
Submarine cables are the backbone of global communications, carrying 98% of the world’s data traffic.
They are vital for everything from high-speed internet to international business.
The EU has prioritised the security and resilience of this infrastructure, ensuring cables are built with advanced geo-sensors and early warning systems to monitor and protect against potential threats.
The new cables will strengthen the Canary Islands’ integration into Spanish, European, and global data networks.
This will improve internet speeds and reliability, supporting local businesses and residents while boosting the islands’ role in global digital trade.
The initiative also aims to address the growing demand for high-speed internet and modern communication services.
The EU has set strict security standards for these projects, requiring recipients of funding to be under EU control and use secure technologies.
This ensures the new cables meet the highest safety standards while enhancing the region’s digital infrastructure.