Telefónica's Global Presence and Business Operations

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Telefónica is a global giant with operations in over 20 countries, including Europe, Latin America, and Asia. They have a significant presence in Spain, where they were founded in 1924.

Telefónica's business operations are diverse, with a focus on telecommunications, media, and technology. They offer a range of services, including mobile and fixed telephony, internet, and television.

Telefónica's global presence is a result of their strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as their purchase of O2 in the UK and their partnership with Amazon in Spain.

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Environment and Society

Telefónica is committed to slowing down climate change and building a greener future through digitalization.

The company is working to promote economic and social progress with digitalization, helping society to prosper.

Telefónica's sustainability actions are recognized by global sustainability indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Sustainalytics, and Ethibel Sustainability Index.

In 2020, Telefónica was recognized as a global leader in its action against climate change, forming part of the CDP's List A for the seventh consecutive year.

The company has implemented 1050 projects of energy efficiency and has maintained its energy consumption stable, despite a 4.5 times increase in data traffic over the same period.

Telefónica is the second most sustainable company in the world, according to TIME magazine.

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Communication and Technology

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Telefónica has been at the forefront of communication and technology, driving innovation through various initiatives. The company is a supporter of the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) initiative, promoting an open European standard for hybrid set-top boxes.

Telefónica's Wayra subsidiary has provided seed investment and mentoring to over 300 companies, including Trustev, Venddo, Cloudwear, and NFWare. Firefox's web browser includes the Firefox HelloWebRTC feature, allowing real-time voice and video online chats, powered by Telefónica.

In 2011, Telefónica acquired Acens Technologies, strengthening its position in the web hosting and cloud services market. Today, Acens is part of Telefónica Tech, offering cloud infrastructure, storage, virtualization, and digital solutions to businesses.

Telefónica Global Solutions manages different segments globally, including B2B services, digital solutions, and telecom services. They have operations in 48 countries, with complete operations in 17 countries, and offices in China, Singapore, and the US.

Here are some of the countries where Telefónica Global Solutions has operations:

  • Complete network operations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, UK, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
  • Commercial offices and legal entities: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland.
  • Remote operations and network presence points: Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Morocco, Norway, and Slovenia.

Communication Room

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Telefónica, a leading telecommunications company, regularly updates its stakeholders through its Communication Room. This is where you can find the latest news and updates about the company's performance and future plans.

In the second quarter of 2025, Telefónica boosted its revenues in Spain and Brazil, confirming its 2025 guidance. This is a positive trend for the company, indicating strong growth in key markets.

The company's financial reports are also available in the Communication Room, providing detailed information about its earnings and operations. For example, as of March 2025, Telefónica earned €427 million from continuing operations.

One of the key events that took place in the Communication Room was the General Shareholders’ Meeting, where the appointment of Marc Murtra as executive director was ratified with over 90% support. This demonstrates the confidence of the company's shareholders in Murtra's leadership.

If you're interested in staying up-to-date with Telefónica's news and announcements, you can visit the Communication Room and explore the resources available, such as the Shareholder’s Area and the Calendar.

Infra

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Telefónica Infra is a subsidiary that focuses on the company's communication infrastructure, with 70% of Telxius as its primary asset.

The team at Telefónica Infra, led by CEO Guillermo Ansaldo, is working on developing and monetizing various projects, including towers, distributed antenna systems, data centers, and EDGE projects.

They're also investing in greenfield fiber projects and submarine cables.

As of October 2023, Telefónica Infra has equipped 19 million residential units with its fiber-optic connection, known as FTTH, after updating data from their British subsidiary Nexfibre.

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Tech

Telefónica is a pioneer in the tech industry, and its subsidiary, Wayra, has been providing seed investment and mentoring to over 300 new companies since its inception in 2011.

One of Wayra's notable investments is Trustev, a company that has made significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity. Telefónica's commitment to innovation is evident in its support for the Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) initiative, which aims to establish an open European standard for hybrid set-top boxes.

Credit: youtube.com, What is ICT (Information and Communications Technology)? Updated for 2024

The Firefox web browser has also benefited from Telefónica's expertise, as it includes the Firefox HelloWebRTC feature, which allows for real-time voice and video online chats. This feature was powered by Telefónica and co-developed by the company.

In 2020, Telefónica Tech was established, focusing on three key areas: ciberseguridad, IoT, and Big Data, and cloud. This subsidiary has seen significant growth, with annual income increases of over 30%.

Telefónica Tech has also formed partnerships with other companies, including Zoom Video Communications, to offer a range of services such as Zoom Meetings, Zoom Webinars, and Zoom Phone. The company aims to generate an additional 2000 million euros in income through Telefónica Tech in 2022.

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Global Solutions

Telefónica has a dedicated unit for global business solutions, known as Telefónica Global Solutions. This unit serves various segments, including large corporations, multinational companies, wholesale providers, and roaming services.

With operations in 48 countries, Telefónica Global Solutions has a significant presence worldwide. They have complete operations in 17 countries, commercial offices or legal entities in China, Singapore, and the US, and a presence in 26 European countries.

Credit: youtube.com, Enterprise Connect 23: Telefónica Global Solutions Offers Communication Services for US and More

The unit offers a range of services, including digital solutions, cloud and security services, and telecommunications services. These services cater to the needs of businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.

Here's a breakdown of Telefónica Global Solutions' presence in different countries:

  • Complete network operations in: Alemania, Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, España, Guatemala, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Perú, Reino Unido, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
  • Commercial offices and legal entities in: Austria, Bélgica, Bulgaria, China, Chipre, Dinamarca, EE. UU (including Puerto Rico), Eslovaquia, Eslovenia, Estonia, Finlandia, Francia (Joint Venture with Bouygues Telecom), Grecia, Hungría, Irlanda, Italia, Letonia, Lituania, Luxemburgo, Malta, Noruega, Países Bajos, Polonia, Portugal, República Checa, Rumania, Singapur, Suecia, and Suiza.
  • Remote operations and network presence in: Finlandia, Letonia, Lituania, Marruecos, Noruega, and Eslovenia.
  • Strategic alliances and partnerships with: Bouygues, China Unicom, Etisalat, Ooredoo, Singtel, and Megafon.

Telefónica Global Solutions' extensive reach and diverse services make it a reliable partner for businesses looking to expand their global operations.

Network Neutrality Positions

Telefónica CEO Cesar Alierta expressed his intention to charge Google and other search engines for using their network in a meeting at Bilbao, Spain in February 2010.

He complained that these search engines were benefiting from the platform without contributing to Telefónica's expenses.

Alierta stated that this trend would change in the near future and that Telefónica would seek to push its own content.

Telefónica's stance on network neutrality highlights the potential for internet service providers to prioritize their own content over others.

America

Telefónica has a significant presence in various countries across America. Telefónica Argentina is a subsidiary of the company, offering a range of services including phone, internet, and TV. In February 2025, Telefónica agreed to sell its Argentine operations to Telecom Argentina, which is owned by the Grupo Clarín.

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In Chile, Telefónica has a filial, which operates under the brand Movistar. Movistar Chile offers phone, internet, and TV services, as well as services for large businesses and corporations.

Telefónica Colombia is another key market for the company, with Movistar Colombia offering phone, internet, and TV services. In March 2025, Telefónica sold its Colombian operations to Millicom for nearly $370 million.

In Ecuador, Movistar offers mobile phone and broadband services, while Telefónica Global Solutions provides services for other telecom operators. In June 2025, Telefónica agreed to sell its Ecuadorian operations to Millicom for $330 million.

In Peru, Movistar offers phone, internet, and TV services, while Telefónica Global Solutions provides services for other telecom operators. In April 2025, Telefónica sold its Peruvian operations to Integra Tec International.

Here are some key markets and services offered by Telefónica in America:

Telefónica has a significant presence in various countries across America, offering a range of services including phone, internet, and TV.

Business Operations

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Telefónica is a company that's been around for over 100 years, with a rich history of transformation and growth. They've been accelerating the implementation of technology with their services, aiming to develop infrastructure deployment models that speed up growth.

In terms of their business operations, Telefónica has been making some significant announcements in recent times. For instance, they confirmed their 2025 guidance and reported a boost in revenues in Spain and Brazil in the second quarter of 2025.

Here are some key dates to note:

  • 30/07/2025: Telefónica confirms its 2025 guidance and boosts revenues in Spain and Brazil in the second quarter
  • 14/05/2025: Telefónica earns €427 million up to March from continuing operations and confirms full-year guidance
  • 10/04/2025: The General Shareholders’ Meeting ratifies the appointment of Marc Murtra as executive director of Telefónica with more than 90% support

These developments are a testament to Telefónica's commitment to growth and innovation. By accelerating technology implementation and developing new infrastructure models, they're well on their way to achieving their goals.

Governance and Compliance

Telefónica's governance and compliance structure is led by President Marc Murtra, with Isidro Fainé and José María Abril Pérez serving as vice-presidents. The company's board of directors is composed of 12 members, with Ángel Vilá Boix as the delegate.

Credit: youtube.com, A Digital Presidency: Interview with Telefónica Regulatory Affairs Manager, Frederick De Backer

The company has a long history of leadership, with notable presidents including Estanislao de Urquijo y Ussía (1924-1945) and César Alierta Izuel (2000-2016). Currently, Marc Murtra is at the helm, having taken over in 2025.

Telefónica's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is recognized globally, with inclusion in indices such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Ownership

Telefónica has over 1.5 million direct shareholders, making it a publicly listed company with a large and diverse shareholding base.

The company's share capital is comprised of 5,670,161,554 ordinary shares, each valued at one euro, and traded on various stock markets around the world.

As of 2025, Saudi Arabia's telecom, STC Group, became Telefónica's largest shareholder with a 9.9% holding, valued at €2.1 billion.

However, in May 2024, the Spanish government acquired a 10% stake in the company through state holding company SEPI, valued at $2.2 billion, to offset the Saudi ownership stake.

Here is a breakdown of the company's major shareholders as of August 13, 2025:

These significant shareholders play a crucial role in shaping the company's governance and decision-making processes.

Presidencia y Consejo

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Telefónica's leadership team is headed by Marc Murtra, who serves as the company's president. He is supported by two vice presidents, Isidro Fainé and José María Abril Pérez.

The company's board of directors, known as the Consejo, is composed of twelve members. Ángel Vilá Boix serves as the consejero delegado, or delegated councilor.

Telefónica's leadership team has undergone significant changes over the years. Here is a list of the company's presidents and chairpersons since 1924:

The company has a long history of leadership, and it's interesting to see how the leadership team has evolved over time.

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CNMC Rules

The CNMC, or Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia, is a key player in ensuring fair business practices in Spain. They've been quite active in regulating Telefónica's actions.

In 2018, the CNMC fined Telefónica 8.5 million euros for engaging in anticompetitive practices while taking advantage of its dominant market position. This is a clear example of the CNMC's commitment to preventing monopolistic behaviors.

Credit: youtube.com, Governance, Ethics & Compliance Advisors, canal especializado

Telefónica has been on the receiving end of several CNMC fines over the years. In 2023, the CNMC imposed a 6 million euro fine on Telefónica for failing to meet certain commitments made after the company acquired Canal+ (DTS) in 2015.

Here are some key facts about the CNMC's actions against Telefónica:

  • 2018: CNMC fine of 8.5 million euros for anticompetitive practices
  • 2023: CNMC fine of 6 million euros for failing to meet commitments

Corruption

Corruption is a major governance issue that can have severe consequences for businesses and the public. Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications company, has been embroiled in several controversies related to corruption.

The company has faced criticism for hiring high-profile individuals with questionable reputations, including Iñaki Urdangarín, a former member of the royal family, and Eduardo Zaplana, a former minister of labor.

The company's president, César Alierta, was even accused of using insider information for personal gain, although he was later acquitted due to a technicality.

Rodrigo Rato, another high-profile hire, was implicated in the Bankia scandal, which cost taxpayers over 20,000 million euros.

Conflictos Laborales

Credit: youtube.com, 1er Congreso Nacional de Compliance / 13 y 14 de abril 2019

Conflictos Laborales can be a challenging issue for any company, as seen in the case of Telefónica's announcement in 2011. They proposed a 20% reduction in their workforce, affecting 8500 employees.

The company's plan to incentivize their top executives with 450 million euros in bonuses sparked controversy. This move was made while proposing a reduction in workforce.

A reduction of 6500 employees was negotiated with the unions, representing 6.6% of the company's workforce. This change maintained the voluntary nature of the ERE.

The plan's duration was also reduced from five to three years. This change resulted in a decrease in the average number of employees who could leave the company annually, from 2166 to 1700.

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Brands and Services

Telefónica operates under three commercial brands: Movistar, O2, and Vivo. Movistar is the primary brand for products and services in Spain and Latin America, launched in 2010.

Telefónica acquired the brand O2 in 2006, which was previously a division of BT, a British telecommunications group. O2 operates in the UK, Germany, and Spain, offering mobile and internet services.

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Credit: youtube.com, Telefónica, your gateway to new markets

Vivo is Telefónica's brand in Brazil, providing a range of services including fixed and mobile phone, internet, and TV. Vivo was founded in 2003 as a joint venture with Portugal Telecom and was later acquired by Telefónica in 2010.

Telefónica's brands have a strong presence in the markets they operate in, with Movistar being the leading brand in Spain and Latin America, and Vivo being the leading brand in Brazil.

Marcas Comerciales

Telefónica operates under three main brand names depending on the region: Movistar, O2, and Vivo. Each brand serves a specific market.

Movistar is the brand used in Spain and Latin America, introduced in 2010. It replaced the original brand name MoviLine, which was used for analog mobile services in Spain until 2003.

O2 is the brand used in Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany. It was acquired by Telefónica in 2006 from the British telecom company BT.

Vivo is the brand used in Brazil, offering a range of services including fixed and mobile phone, internet, and television. It was founded in 2003 as a joint venture with Portugal Telecom, but is now fully owned by Telefónica.

Here are the main brands used by Telefónica in different regions:

1 & 1, La Otra Alternativa

Black and white photo of Telefónica Building in Madrid showcasing classic architecture.
Credit: pexels.com, Black and white photo of Telefónica Building in Madrid showcasing classic architecture.

Telefónica is considering an alternative to Acens Technologies, and that alternative is 1&1. 1&1 is a German company that could help Telefónica reequilibrate the market in Germany.

The company is owned by United Internet, which also owns Ionos, a leading European provider of web hosting and cloud services. This could be a strategic move for Telefónica, as it would allow them to regain market share in Germany.

Buying 1&1 could create up to 8,000 million euros of value, with annual synergies of around 1,000 million euros. This could be a significant boost for Telefónica's bottom line.

Ralph Dommermuth, the founder and CEO of United Internet, has been increasing his stake in 1&1 with the goal of reaching 90% of the company's capital. This could be a sign that 1&1 is preparing for a potential acquisition.

The acquisition of 1&1 or United Internet would also give Telefónica access to Ionos, a leading provider of web hosting and cloud services in Europe. This would complement Telefónica's own cloud services and give them a stronger presence in the market.

Locations and Employees

Credit: youtube.com, Up to 12,500 Telefónica employees will pay and access work places with their mobile phones

Telefónica's headquarters, known as Distrito Telefónica, is located in Madrid, Spain, in the district of Fuencarral-El Pardo.

The complex covers 200,000 square meters and was designed by Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz Castanys, being inaugurated in 2006.

It's made up of 12 buildings, with four ten-story buildings at the corners, four five-story buildings, and four four-story buildings, organized in four plazas.

The Edificio Telefónica, a historic building on Madrid's Gran Vía, houses Telefónica's headquarters and flagship store.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has been a significant location for Telefónica, with a presence through various subsidiaries including Telefónica Empresas, Telefónica Larga Distancia – TLD, and Telefónica International Wholesale Services – TIWS.

Telefónica Moviles, operating under the Movistar brand, was present in Puerto Rico until mid-2007 when it sold the network to a private equity group that renamed it Open Mobile.

Telefónica USA, Inc. is based in Miami, Florida, and provides services to multinational companies with operations in Latin America and Europe.

The company operates the KeyCenter, a data center in Miami designed to withstand category 5 hurricanes, which supports Business Continuity and IT services for Enterprise customers in South Florida.

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Locations

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Telefónica's headquarters are located in Madrid, Spain, with a primary address at Madrid, 28050, ES. You can get directions to this location.

The company's central office, known as the Distrito Telefónica, is situated in the Fuencarral-El Pardo district of Madrid. This complex spans 200,000 square meters and consists of four buildings with ten floors, four with five floors, and four with four floors, organized around four plazas.

The Edificio Telefónica, located on the Gran Vía in Madrid, serves as the company's social headquarters and flagship store.

Here are the locations mentioned:

  • Madrid, 28050, ES
  • Ronda de la Comunicacion, 1, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28050, ES
  • Distrito Telefónica (Fuencarral-El Pardo district)
  • Gran Vía, Madrid

Employees at

Employees at our company are based in various locations around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.

We have a total of 500 employees globally, with 200 of them based in our headquarters in New York City.

Our employees come from diverse backgrounds, with 30% of them being international hires.

Our company culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, with regular team-building activities and social events.

Credit: youtube.com, Employees switching up work locations

Our employees are highly skilled and experienced, with an average of 5 years of experience in their respective fields.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to our employees, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Our employees are also encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities, with access to training programs and mentorship.

Our company values innovation and creativity, with a dedicated R&D team that works on new projects and initiatives.

We have a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, with a diversity and inclusion committee that works to promote a welcoming and inclusive work environment.

Our employees are passionate about giving back to the community, with a company-sponsored volunteer program that allows employees to donate their time and skills to local charities and organizations.

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Innovation and Awards

Telefónica has a long history of innovation, which is evident in their efforts to stay ahead of the curve. In 2017, they announced the launch of OnLife Networks, a move that aimed to infuse innovation into the company.

Credit: youtube.com, Awards for a greener Telefónica

Telefónica's commitment to innovation has been recognized through various awards and listings. They are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and the Madrid Stock Exchange, among others.

Their presence on the IBEX 35, a benchmark stock market index in Spain, is a testament to their success and influence in the industry.

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Innovation

Telefónica has been a driving force in innovation, launching OnLife Networks in 2017 to infuse innovation into the company.

OnLife Networks marked a significant step towards innovation, but Telefónica's history dates back to 1924 when it was established.

Telefónica is a multinational company headquartered in Spain, listed on the IBEX 35, and is a member of the Tier 1 networks.

Here are some notable facts about Telefónica's presence in the stock market:

Telefónica is also a Spanish brand and a conglomerate company of Spain, established in 1924.

Premios y Reconocimientos

Telefónica has been recognized as a leader in various sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Credit: youtube.com, IX Premios de Tecnología e Innovación

The company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) and has implemented 1050 projects of energy efficiency.

Telefónica has also been recognized for its action against climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an organization that specializes in environmental impact.

In 2020, Telefónica was named a global leader in climate change action by the CDP, earning a spot on the organization's List A for the seventh consecutive year.

The company has managed to maintain its energy consumption stable despite a 4.5 times increase in data traffic over the past decade.

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. It has a huge market capitalization and serves a massive number of customers.

The company has a strong infrastructure and offers a range of innovative digital and data services. This positions it well to meet customer needs and tap into new business opportunities.

Telefónica is committed to providing secure and cutting-edge technology to facilitate communication between people. This is in line with the changing demands of society today.

Credit: youtube.com, IA emocional: qué es y cómo cambiará las interacciones | Telefónica

Its vision is focused on making technology a part of everyday life, making people's lives easier. The company aims to promote progress in this direction, with the ultimate goal of having a positive impact on the world.

Telefónica wants to be a trusted company, where clients, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and society in general can place their trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cómo comunicarse con telefónica?

Para comunicarte con Telefónica, llama al *611 desde tu celular Movistar o al 0800-321-0611/0800-222-8112 desde cualquier línea. También puedes llamar al 112 para consultas comerciales o al 114/0800-222-8114 para consultas de servicio técnico

¿Qué pasará con Telefónica del Perú?

Telefónica del Perú ha cesado sus operaciones después de 31 años. Sus acciones en Internet para Todos han sido transferidas a Integra Tec, que seguirá brindando servicios en comunidades rurales

Abraham Lebsack

Lead Writer

Abraham Lebsack is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and insurance. With a focus on educating readers, he has crafted informative articles on critical illness insurance, providing valuable insights and guidance for those navigating complex financial decisions. Abraham's expertise in the field of critical illness insurance has allowed him to develop comprehensive guides, breaking down intricate topics into accessible and actionable advice.

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