An agreement between Emacom and the FCT will promote the use of fiber optics for research purposes. This is first step towards the creation of GEOLab, an initiative that includes the participation of the EllaLink Group.
The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the EMACOM – Madeira Telecommunications signed, on May 16, a cooperation protocol that aims to promote the use of fiber optics for research purposes, particularly in the areas of seismology, volcanology, marine ecology and ocean conditions.
The agreement marks the first step toward the realization of GEOLab, an initiative aimed at the research community, which also includes the participation of EllaLink – the group that owns the submarine system connecting Europe to Latin America. This system includes a dedicated fiber optic pair between Funchal and Sines, where the connection to GEANT, the main European network for research and education, is established.
EMACOM also has an optical fiber in the Ellalink system, approximately 56 km long, which starts at landing station in Madeira and which constitutes a resource of great interest to the research and teaching community, in activities related to earth observation, particularly seabed movements.
Through this protocol, EMACOM undertakes to transfer the rights to use the optical fiber for all equipment supporting the scientific experiments to be carried out within the scope of the project and its connection to the RCTS – Science, Technology and Society NetworkThe management and operation of these experiments will be the responsibility of the FCT, through its Scientific Computing Unit (FCCN).
The FCT also adds to this responsibility the commitment to ensuring access to GEOLab by the research and teaching community, in a partnership that aims to harness human and technological potential through the sharing of technological resources in the areas of research and connectivity, namely through the use of the submarine cable system.
Within the scope of the protocol, the FCT will also be responsible for taking steps to activate a new RCTS Point of Presence (PoP) at CLS (Cable Landing Station) of Funchal and the reinforcement of the Penteada PoP, located on the University of Madeira's premises, in order to ensure connectivity to the global internet through the GEOLab Science, Technology and Society Network (RCTS).
