Tenerife Residents Demand Fiber Optic Internet Amidst Decades of Poor Service
Tenerife residents are demanding Movistar install fiber optic internet, citing years of inadequate service, the recent removal of copper cables, and the resulting digital exclusion impacting work, education, and daily life.
Residents in Tenerife's Salamanca-Uruguay and Las Acacias neighborhoods are demanding better internet service. They want Movistar to install modern fiber optic cables, arguing that reliable internet is crucial for everything from remote work and online learning to healthcare and entertainment in the 21st century.
Over fifty residents have signed a petition, submitting it to both Telef贸nica and the Santa Cruz City Council. For years, they've been denied adequate internet access. Currently, they rely on a few external terminals attached to private homes, with cables strung across buildings. This setup is not only unsightly but also leads to very slow internet speeds.
The situation worsened in June 2024 when Movistar removed the old copper cables, promising an upgrade to fiber optics that never materialized. Many streets in the area lack underground conduits, making installation difficult. As a result, at least two blocks of homes are now completely without internet because they can't connect to the limited available terminals.
Laura, a key figure in the community's efforts, explained that the lack of fiber has left many households dependent on external terminals. Some homeowners have even refused to let their neighbors connect to these limited resources.
To make matters worse, the existing terminals are overloaded, leading to frequent signal drops and frustratingly slow speeds for everyone connected.
Some residents have resorted to signing up for Movistar's copper radio service, which offers poor connection quality. Others have opted for expensive Starlink satellite dishes, costing significantly more than standard fiber internet. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, Movistar claims the only solution is to bury the cables, which requires the city council's approval.
Laura added that running cables along building facades is another option, but this also needs city council permission. She pointed out that using existing infrastructure like light poles could be a cost-effective solution. "We live in the city center in the 21st century, yet we're denied proper internet," she stated.
Laura also noted that the poor internet service has driven businesses away from the area. While some residents have switched providers, this hasn't solved the problem, as Telef贸nica effectively holds a monopoly.
Frustrated and feeling powerless, the residents have gained support from the La Arboleda neighborhood association, local businesses, and community centers. They have filed formal complaints with both Movistar and the City Council, seeking mediation. Local authorities have acknowledged the issue and are in talks to find a solution, which may involve mediating the sharing of existing terminals while a long-term fix is developed.
The residents are hopeful that these negotiations will lead to a swift resolution. "We feel cut off and ignored," Laura said. "We're counting on the City Council to help us invest in our area and implement a proper solution."
The residents also pointed out that previous city regulations restricting facade installations were challenged and overturned by national courts, as they conflicted with national telecommunications laws.