Tenerife to Launch Cutting-Edge Satellite Communications Teleport with EU Backing

The Cabildo de Tenerife, in collaboration with ARQUIMEA, is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a state-of-the-art satellite communications teleport on the island, bolstered by funding from the European Union. This initiative is poised to significantly enhance the technological landscape of the Canary Islands and position Tenerife as a key player in the global satellite communications sector.

Innovative Steps in Satellite Technology

This groundbreaking initiative is being led by the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute (ITER) alongside ARQUIMEA, a company renowned for its expertise in aerospace technology. The strategic location of Tenerife, coupled with its advanced underwater connectivity capabilities, makes it an ideal site for the teleport. The facility will be operated by CanarySat Teleport Services, marking a pivotal advancement in the island’s technological infrastructure.

Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This collaboration between Arquimea and the Cabildo de Tenerife is a vital opportunity to stimulate the island’s economy. It will help diversify our economic landscape, attract new investors, and implement a groundbreaking strategy for the Canary Islands.” Her remarks underscore the project’s potential to not only enhance technological capabilities but also to drive economic growth in the region.

Economic Growth and Job Opportunities

The satellite communications teleport is a crucial component of the broader CanarySat project, which encompasses both the construction of the teleport and the launch of a new satellite constellation. Antonio Abad, General Director of CanarySat, highlighted the transformative potential of this venture, stating that it represents a significant opportunity to position the Canary Islands as a secure and resilient hub for satellite communications, especially in light of the growing global demand for such services.

Rubén Criado, General Director of New Technologies at ARQUIMEA, reiterated the company’s commitment to spearheading technological advancements in Spain, particularly within the Canary Islands. With over two decades of experience in the aerospace sector, ARQUIMEA is well-prepared to contribute to initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the region’s technological capabilities.

Juan José Martínez, councillor for Innovation, Research, and Development, provided further insight into the project’s economic implications. He noted that the CanarySat project is expected to create approximately 100 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs. The initiative aims to attract high-value companies, including satellite operators, telemedicine providers, banking institutions, and cybersecurity firms, all of which require premium real-time connectivity with minimal latency. This influx of talent and investment is anticipated to invigorate the local economy and foster innovation.

Infrastructure Development and Future Vision

The ambitious project includes plans to establish a Teleport and a Control and Operations Centre for Satellites and Satellite Networks in Tenerife. This facility will focus on a new constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites being developed by ARQUIMEA. The establishment of this infrastructure is expected to generate at least 100 direct jobs and provide a robust satellite communications framework that will not only support the CanarySat constellation but also manage third-party satellites, thereby expanding the region’s capabilities.

ARQUIMEA is set to establish a satellite control centre at ITER, in addition to the teleport that will connect with Canalink, a neutral communications operator. This teleport will play an integral role in the future development of satellite communications in the region, enhancing connectivity and operational capabilities. The strategic partnership with Canalink is expected to further bolster the infrastructure, ensuring that the teleport can meet the demands of various sectors reliant on advanced satellite communications.

Key points

• The Cabildo de Tenerife and ARQUIMEA are launching a satellite communications teleport.
• The project is co-financed by the European Union.
• It aims to leverage Tenerife’s geographical advantages and underwater connectivity.
• Approximately 100 high-skilled jobs are expected to be created.
• The initiative includes the deployment of a new satellite constellation.
• CanarySat Teleport Services will manage the teleport infrastructure.
• The project is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Canary Islands’ technological landscape.