FCT and AIR Centre strengthen RCTS in the Azores

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Atlantic International Research Center (Air Center) signed a protocol on April 9 with a view to strengthening the RCTS – Science, Technology, and Society Network in the Azores. To this end, a direct 1 Gbps connection will be installed between Terceira Island and Lisbon, to be implemented within a maximum of 90 days. This connection will enable the Air Centre to meet the growing needs of its activities and research projects, as well as connecting to the national science and technology network and its various nodes.

This protocol also lays the foundations for the future extension of existing connectivity by strengthening the CAM ring (Mainland, Azores, and Madeira) with new submarine cables and meeting the needs of the University of the Azores campuses and the connection to the Space-Innovation Hub in Santa Maria. This initiative reinforces and enhances the current infrastructure supporting research and innovation activities in the Azores.

RCTS, provided by FCT through its FCCN unit, guarantees internet access and a wide range of advanced digital services aimed at national academic, scientific, and technological entities, covering the entire national territory. RCTS comprises 84 entities and has an annual investment of €4.5 million. The FCCN unit is currently implementing the RCTS100 project, which will expand the fiber optic infrastructure and upgrade the academic network's technology to gradually enable multiple 100Gbps connections. The project is expected to be completed in September this year.

This funding will also ensure the strengthening and updating of local networks of higher education institutions, not only to guarantee the efficient use of the new infrastructure provided by RCTS, but also to act as an accelerator for existing technological plans.