# Telefónica

> telecommunications company based in Madrid, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q160229](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q160229)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telefónica)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telefonica

## Summary
Telefónica is a Spanish multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Madrid, Spain, founded on April 19, 1924. It operates globally, offering fixed-line, mobile, and internet services, and is one of the largest private telecommunications companies in the world. Telefónica is listed on major stock exchanges, including the Madrid Stock Exchange (IBEX 35) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: April 19, 1924, by the Spanish government as Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España (CTNE).
- **Headquarters**: Distrito Telefónica, Madrid, Spain.
- **Revenue (2023)**: €52.04 billion.
- **Employees (2023)**: 132,120.
- **Subsidiaries**: Movistar, O2, Vivo, Terra Networks, and others.
- **Stock Exchanges**: Madrid Stock Exchange (IBEX 35), NYSE, London Stock Exchange, and others.
- **CEO (2023)**: José María Álvarez-Pallete.
- **Key Services**: Fixed-line telephony, mobile telephony, broadband internet, digital television, and cloud services.
- **Global Presence**: Operates in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
- **Brands**: Movistar, O2, and Terra.
- **Revenue Growth**: €55.22 billion (2022), €50.38 billion (2021), €57.06 billion (2020).
- **Net Profit (2023)**: €2.40 billion.
- **Total Assets (2023)**: €123.64 billion.
- **Founding CEO**: Juan de la Cierva (first director-general).
- **Notable Acquisitions**: Terra Networks (1999), O2 (2006), and E-Plus (2014).
- **Awards**: Recognized for innovation in 5G technology and sustainability initiatives.

## FAQs
**What is Telefónica's primary business?**  
Telefónica provides telecommunications services, including mobile, fixed-line, internet, and digital TV, operating under brands like Movistar and O2.

**When and where was Telefónica founded?**  
Founded on April 19, 1924, in Madrid, Spain, as a state-owned company, later privatized in the 1990s.

**What are Telefónica's key subsidiaries?**  
Major subsidiaries include Movistar (Spain and Latin America), O2 (Europe), Vivo (Brazil), and Terra Networks (digital content).

**Where is Telefónica listed on stock exchanges?**  
Listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange (IBEX 35), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and London Stock Exchange, among others.

**Who leads Telefónica as of 2023?**  
José María Álvarez-Pallete serves as the CEO, overseeing global operations and strategic direction.

**What is Telefónica's revenue and net profit?**  
In 2023, revenue reached €52.04 billion, with a net profit of €2.40 billion, reflecting growth from previous years.

**What technologies does Telefónica focus on?**  
Invests heavily in 5G infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity, driving digital transformation across its markets.

**How many employees does Telefónica have?**  
As of 2023, the company employs 132,120 people worldwide, supporting operations in over 20 countries.

## Why It Matters
Telefónica plays a pivotal role in global telecommunications, bridging connectivity gaps and driving digital innovation. As a leader in 5G deployment and sustainable practices, it shapes the future of communication technologies. Its extensive network and diverse service portfolio make it indispensable for businesses and consumers alike, fostering economic growth and social inclusion through accessible digital solutions.

## Notable For
- **Global Reach**: Operates in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, serving over 300 million customers.
- **5G Leadership**: Pioneered 5G network rollout in Spain and Latin America, enhancing connectivity and IoT capabilities.
- **Sustainability Commitment**: Aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, integrating environmental goals into its business strategy.
- **Cultural Impact**: Supports digital literacy programs and sponsors events like the Movistar Series, promoting technology and innovation.
- **Historical Significance**: Evolved from a state-owned monopoly to a privatized multinational, reflecting Spain's economic modernization.
- **Innovation Hub**: Invests in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity through its Open Future initiative, fostering startup collaborations.

## Body

### History and Evolution
Telefónica was established in 1924 as Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España (CTNE), a state-owned entity tasked with modernizing Spain's telecommunications infrastructure. Privatized in the 1990s, it expanded internationally through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of O2 in 2006 and E-Plus in 2014. Today, it operates in over 20 countries, maintaining a dominant position in Latin America and Europe.

### Organizational Structure
Headquartered in Madrid's Distrito Telefónica, the company is led by CEO José María Álvarez-Pallete. Its subsidiaries, such as Movistar and O2, cater to regional markets, offering tailored services like Movistar+'s digital TV in Spain and O2's mobile networks in Germany and the UK. Telefónica's governance emphasizes sustainability and innovation, with a board committed to ethical practices and long-term growth.

### Financial Performance
In 2023, Telefónica reported €52.04 billion in revenue, up from €50.38 billion in 2021, driven by growth in Latin America and 5G adoption. Net profit reached €2.40 billion, reflecting cost optimization and revenue diversification. The company's total assets stood at €123.64 billion, supporting ongoing investments in network infrastructure and emerging technologies.

### Services and Innovation
Telefónica provides a comprehensive suite of telecommunications services, including 5G mobile networks, fiber-optic broadband, and cloud solutions. Its Open Future initiative promotes collaboration with startups, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and IoT. The company has also launched sustainability-driven projects, such as energy-efficient data centers, aligning with its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

### Global Presence and Subsidiaries
With operations spanning Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Telefónica's subsidiaries play critical roles in local markets. Movistar dominates Spain and Latin America, while O2 serves over 50 million customers in Germany, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Vivo, its Brazilian subsidiary, is a market leader in mobile and broadband services, contributing significantly to Telefónica's revenue.

### Cultural and Social Impact
Beyond telecommunications, Telefónica supports digital inclusion initiatives, providing access to technology in underserved communities. Its sponsorship of cultural events, such as the Movistar Series, and partnerships with educational institutions, underscore its commitment to societal development. The company's historical transformation from a national monopoly to a global innovator mirrors Spain's evolution into a modern, tech-driven economy.

### Challenges and Controversies
Telefónica faces intense competition in European markets and regulatory hurdles in Latin America. Criticisms of market dominance and data privacy concerns have prompted regulatory scrutiny, particularly in Spain. The company has addressed these challenges by advocating for balanced regulation and investing in customer trust initiatives, such as transparent data policies and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

### Future Outlook
Telefónica continues to prioritize 5G expansion, AI integration, and sustainable growth. Its strategic focus on emerging markets and innovation positions it to capitalize on global digital transformation trends. As telecommunications converge with emerging technologies like quantum computing, Telefónica aims to remain at the forefront, ensuring connectivity and innovation for future generations.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/datacard/telefonica-sa?rid=52431421-12)
2. [Source](http://www.abc.es/economia/abci-telefonica-monopolio-publico-competitividad-global-201603291509_noticia.html)
3. [Form 20-F. 2017](https://www.telefonica.com/documents/162467/193394/20-F_2016.pdf/a61ec900-6b5f-4341-8453-e73fd242992f)
4. [annual report](https://www.telefonica.com/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/Consolidated-Annual-Accounts-2023.pdf)
5. [press release](https://sepi.es/es/sala-de-prensa/noticias/sepi-alcanza-la-participacion-del-10-en-telefonica)
6. [Source](https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2000/02/05/pdfs/A05552-05553.pdf)
7. 20th Century Press Archives
8. [2025](https://www.elindependiente.com/economia/2025/01/18/telefonica-murtra-pallete/)
9. [Telefónica comunica a la CNMV el nombramiento de Murtra como presidente al tiempo que la defenestración de Pallete. 2025](https://www.elindependiente.com/economia/2025/01/18/telefonica-murtra-pallete/)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. datos.bne.es
12. [Source](https://www.telefonica.com/documents/162467/141705152/Consolidated-Annual-Accounts-2018.pdf/77b76a1f-eb3f-e1e9-9307-827d36585208)
13. [Annual Report 2023. Telefónica. 2024](https://www.telefonica.com/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/Consolidated-Annual-Accounts-2023.pdf)
14. Google Knowledge Graph
15. [Crunchbase](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/telefonica)
16. [Source](http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=TEF.N)
17. [Company Telefónica, S.A. Profile. MarketScreener. 2025](https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/TELEF-NICA-S-A-68962/company/)
18. GRID Release 2017-04-04
19. [2020](https://www.gleif.org/content/4-lei-data/8-lei-mapping/1-download-bic-to-lei-relationship-files/bic_lei_gleif_v1_monthly_full_20200327.csv)
20. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=79.144.0.0+-+79.159.255.255&type=inetnum)
21. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=88.0.0.0+-+88.31.255.255&type=inetnum)
22. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=95.120.0.0+-+95.127.255.255&type=inetnum)
23. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=217.124.0.0+-+217.127.255.255&type=inetnum)
24. Name Suggestion Index
25. YouTube API
26. Wikirate