Tenerife and Gran Canaria lead the deployment of 5G in the Canary Islands

Movistar completed 5G coverage in the 700 MHz band in 69 municipalities in the Canary Islands in 2022, and has committed to providing ultra-broadband (fibre and/or 5G) to the entire territory over the next two years. The 700 MHz band, also known as the low band, has higher indoor penetration and universalizes some of the characteristics of 5G communications, such as low latency. In addition, the signal of this band better penetrates obstacles, such as the walls of buildings, which allows greater accessibility to the network.

The company has reached populations of very different sizes with its 700 MHz 5G, from the largest, with more than 20,000 inhabitants to smaller ones. In Tenerife, there are 22 municipalities with this coverage, 18 in Gran Canaria, 12 in La Palma, 7 in Lanzarote, 6 in Fuerteventura, and 2 each in La Gomera and El Hierro.

The 3.5 GHz band, which Movistar also operates, is ideal for services that require very high transmission speeds, although its range is shorter and it doesn’t penetrate the walls of buildings as efficiently as the 700 MHz band.

Telefónica has recently completed its 5G spectrum with the acquisition of 5 blocks of 200 MHz in the 2.6 GHz band, consolidating its commitment and leadership in connectivity by uniting the promotion of 5G coverage with its extensive fibre network in Spain, reinforcing its commitment to the digitization of Spain.

The deployment of 5G in rural areas, with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, will be conditional on the availability of public aid from Next Generation funds for this purpose. The approval of these funds by the EU Commission is key to guaranteeing that a digital divide does not occur with the deployment of 5G, and to be able to meet the objectives of the Digital Compass, consisting of bringing this technology to all populations and achieving availability of access to the network with speeds of at least 1Gb.

This advance in 5G coverage in the Canary Islands adds to the efforts made by other telecommunications companies in the region, which indicates a growing commitment by the sector to improve connectivity and accessibility to technology throughout the territory.

With 5G coverage in the 700 MHz band, it is expected that innovation and digitization will be promoted in all municipalities of the Canary Islands, boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life of citizens.