Telefónica celebrates its Centenary at the Spanish Embassy in Berlin

More than 200 guests including Representatives of the German Bundestag, the Federal Government and the German economy have celebrated Telefónica´s 100th year anniversary at the residence of the Spanish Ambassador to Germany, Pascual Navarro. Guests of honor included José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman & CEO of Telefónica S.A. and Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport. During their remarks, the three representatives emphasized their commitment to collaboratively advancing Europe’s digitalization. They recognized Europe’s digital transformation as a pivotal factor in the continent’s prosperity and global competitiveness.

“The history of Telefónica in Germany is certainly a success story. In just a few years, the company has become one of the most important providers in the German telecommunications industry. Telefónica wants to continue to be a key player for the future of the telecommunications industry in Germany and to make a decisive contribution to the digital transformation in Germany, Spain and Europe,” said Ambassador Navarro.

“This is a special year for Telefónica. We at Telefónica believe technology should serve people, not the other way around. We feel strongly committed to our industry and its importance for building a sustainable and inclusive future together. A future that requires new networks. Networks that will change people’s lives. Telefónica is 100 years old, younger than ever. We are a leading company at the forefront of innovation. Today, as 100 years ago, Telefónica continues to imagine and lead the future, a future where Telefónica will keep connecting people”, said Telefónica Chairman and CEO, José María Álvarez-Pallete.

“In an increasingly digital and networked world, high-performance telecommunications infrastructures are the basis for economic growth and social prosperity. Telefónica’s contribution to the expansion of the mobile network in Germany is a good example of European cooperation and supports us in achieving the goals of our gigabit strategy. I am therefore all the more delighted to be able to celebrate Telefónica’s 100th anniversary together today”, said Dr Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport.

“O2 Telefónica connects the most people in Germany. Our high-performance networks are the springboard for Germany’s digitalization. We want to continue to make our contribution so that Germany can benefit from the added value that the next stage of digitalization with artificial intelligence promises “, said O2 Telefónica CEO, Markus Haas.

Telefónica is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a range of initiatives and events throughout 2024, together with its customers, shareholders, and society as a whole. The centenary represents one hundred years of continuous transformation, enabling the company to evolve from a voice services operator to a cutting-edge technology company which is now well-prepared to face the challenges of the digital world. With a strong vocation of service and a commitment to achieving a positive impact, Telefónica is devoted to its purpose: „making our world more human by connecting people’s lives”.

Telefónica is one the largest telecommunications service providers in the world. The company off­ers fixed and mobile connectivity as well as a wide range of digital services for residential and business customers. With nearly 388 million customers and more than 100,000 employees, Telefónica operates in Europe and Latin America. Telefónica is a 100% listed company, and its shares are traded on the Spanish Stock Market and on those in New York and Lima.

In Germany, Telefónica is active with the company O2 Telefónica, connecting over 43 million people. The company was originally founded by a consortium in 1995 under the name Viag Interkom and was taken over by Telefónica in 2006. In addition to the Spanish domestic market, Germany is Telefónica’s largest and most important market in Europe. Since 2006, Telefónica has invested over 35 billion euros in Germany for frequency usage rights, acquisitions, and the expansion of infrastructure. No other Spanish company has ever invested more in Germany.