solar eclipse tenerife mobile networks

Solar eclipse to test Tenerife’s mobile networks

Island prepares for solar spectacle

The solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August is set to draw huge numbers of people across Tenerife, all seeking the perfect spot to witness one of the summer’s most anticipated astronomical events. But the mass gathering is prompting concerns not only over traffic and wildfire risk, but also over a less obvious consequence: potential saturation of 4G and 5G networks.

The Canary Islands Government has included this scenario among the risks it is planning for on the day, when it will activate a pre-alert under the Territorial Emergency Plan of Civil Protection of the Canary Islands (PLATECA) to strengthen coordination between the various services.

Mobile networks under pressure

The warning is linked to the possible overcrowding of viewpoints, squares, promenades and other spots chosen to observe the eclipse. The simultaneous use of mobile phones, social media and live streaming could significantly increase demand on networks in certain locations.

Photographing the eclipse, sharing videos, going live or communicating via messaging apps will all be common activities during the afternoon of 12 August. If large numbers of people gather in one place and use their phones at the same time, local networks could be subjected to extraordinary demand.

The Government warns that this situation could temporarily saturate 4G and 5G networks in specific areas. The problem would not only affect those wanting to post a photo or send a message ā€“ saturation could also hamper public communications and the operational coordination of emergency services deployed during the day.

This does not mean Tenerife will lose coverage entirely during the eclipse. The warning refers to possible issues in areas where there is a high concentration of people and devices connected simultaneously.

Traffic and safety concerns

Mobile connectivity is just one of the risks being assessed ahead of the expected high levels of movement. Authorities are also concerned about the build-up of vehicles on narrow roads or those with a single access point, particularly in mid-altitude zones and natural spaces. A significant tailback could hinder access for ambulances or fire engines and complicate any potential evacuation.

For this reason, people are advised to enjoy the eclipse from nearby and safe locations, avoiding unnecessary journeys to the summits. It is also recommended to use public transport wherever possible, follow instructions from the authorities, and stagger the return journey once the phenomenon has ended to avoid a mass exit of vehicles.

Pre-alert across the archipelago

The Directorate General for Emergencies will activate the PLATECA pre-alert across the entire archipelago during the day of the eclipse. In addition to mobility and communications issues, the operation will pay particular attention to the risk of forest fires caused by the concentration of vehicles and people in areas with dry vegetation.

Authorities are also considering possible cases of dehydration, fainting or heatstroke resulting from prolonged time outdoors, alongside problems that could arise from excessive crowding at certain viewpoints and public spaces. The aim of the pre-alert is to ensure that the various bodies involved can respond in a coordinated manner to any incident during a day when much of the attention will be fixed on the sky.

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