The operator has activated 10 edge nodes and will add 7 more during 2026 to meet rising demand for compute, AI, power and technical floor space as a major differentiator
Telefónica is deploying 17 edge computing nodes across Spain as part of a plan to deliver competitive, sustainable and secure European technology infrastructure based on edge computing. It is designed to support the digital transformation of businesses and the public sector.
Telefónica’s claims is edge rollout in Spain is pioneering at European level: already 10 nodes are active, with two in Madrid and one in Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, A Coruña and Terrassa (Barcelona).
The deployment will continue throughout 2026, adding seven locations in Zaragoza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Valladolid, Gijón, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santiago de Compostela and Mérida. This will make a total of 17 which, according to the opeator, will provice nationwide edge computing capacity.
Why edge is a differentiator
Unlike traditional data centres or centralised cloud, the edge infrastructure nodes are located in Telefónica’s former exchanges (known as central offices is some parts of the world), repurposed as edge data centres. The operator says they “meet stringent security and high‑availability requirements for deployment and operations”.
As demand for compute, AI, power and technical floor space grows, Telefónica argues its nationwide network of telecommunications exchanges gives it a strategic differentiator.
Edge brings processing and storage closer to the customer, allowing data generated by large numbers of devices to be managed near its source. Like cloud, it offers elasticity and high availability but with lower latency due to proximity and greater control over data due to its local nature.
These nodes also provide AI capabilities for customers to adopt to suit their needs, without major investment it normally requires. Organisations will be able to consume GPUs as a service without initial capital outlay, keeping workloads sovereign and latency low.
Telefónica says these capabilities are relevant in a new era, where connectivity extends beyond person‑to‑person or person‑to‑cloud models to include object‑to‑object communications, person/object‑to‑edge interactions, and edge‑to‑cloud connectivity.
The operator says that this “Telefónica‑led plan promotes the development of Edge and Cloud technologies in Europe and opens the possibility for other European operators to use these infrastructures securely, develop technology, and reduce dependence on service providers whose platforms are located outside the European Union.
“In doing so, the project strengthens Europe’s industry while contributing to greater digital data sovereignty.”
Fibre and 5G mesh with edge
Edge also augments the use of fibre optics and mobile technologies, especially 5G: Telefónica points out it has already shut down its copper network, its FTTH network reaches more than 31 million properties and its 5G network is available to almost 95% of Spain’s population.
The operator hopes the combination of edge, fibre and 5G will enable long talked about services like Industry 4.0, assisted driving, logistics, ports, retail, massive communications and digital twins to come into widespread use.
Edge also fits the new ecosystem of applications and novel use cases demanded by different segments for digital transformation, the operator continues, including APIs and the objectives of the GSMA’s Open Gateway project.
Telefónica claims it is “driving the development of an integrating platform, enabling third‑party innovation and optimising infrastructure to enhance customer offerings. The company identifies needs, collaborates with stakeholders and promotes innovative, disruptive use cases that were not feasible before the advent of Edge Computing – within a new open, decentralised, multi‑provider model.
“Unlike closed, single‑owner and highly centralized solutions offered by major cloud service providers, this project pursues a model in which providers share interfaces and interoperability, compatibility and portability are guaranteed—delivering clear advantages for future customers.”
Aligns with EU strategy
The Plan also aligns with the European roadmap for the development of cloud edge, framed within EU principles such as the Digital Strategy, the Joint Declaration by the 27 Member States, and the goals set by the European Commission for Data and Digital Sovereignty.
An Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) coordinated by the European Commission, was open to submissions from different Member States aimed at placing European companies in a position to lead new digital services through differentiated and interconnected edge computing technologies and infrastructures.
In June 2021, Telefónica Spain’s proposal was the highest‑rated at national level and was submitted to the IPCEI for the development of edge computing.