In Fortaleza, Ceará, in Praia do Futuro, the proposal to build a desalination plant has caused heated debates and concerns, especially in the telecommunications sector.
Fábio Andrade, institutional vice-president of Claro, one of the sector leaders in Brazil, expressed concern about the possible impact that the construction of this plant could have on the internet infrastructure from the country.
see more
Guide to requesting social tariff and obtaining discounts on water and electricity
Discover AI Pin: the device that promises to replace cell phones
Discussions surrounding the project essentially focus on the potential consequences for existing communication networks.
The installation of the desalination plant has also raised concerns among National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). These concerns are not limited to the construction of the plant, scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024, but also extend to the equipment's operational phases, scheduled to begin in 2026.
The region is crucial for Brazil's telecommunications, housing an international hub for submarine cables, responsible for “99% of data traffic” in the country, as highlighted by the Minister of Communications, Juscelino Son.
Currently, there are 16 submarine cables in the area, expected to grow to 20, positioning Fortaleza as the second largest submarine cable hub in the world. It is this concentration that places the installation of the plant under the “significant risk” highlighted by Anatel, due to the potential impact on telecommunications infrastructure.
According to Andrade, the interruption caused by damage to these cables would have a domino effect, affecting several sectors essential services, including public safety and health services, as repairing these cables can take up to 50 days.
Andrade also draws attention to the expected growth in demand for internet in the country, predicting that the number of submarine cables could double in the next three years.
This adds another layer of complexity to the debate, as even if the current installation is considered safe, future cable growth would require a review of that safety.
There is an expectation for a new executive project, with Andrade and other interested parties anxiously awaiting the details that could bring solutions to this impasse.
Claro's vice-president expresses a mix of concern and hope, emphasizing the need for a solution that guarantee the integrity of Brazil's internet connection, without compromising the infrastructural development desired by the power plant.
