Telefónica

Telefónica, S.A. is a Spanish multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Madrid. It provides fixed-line and mobile telephony, broadband, and television services, with operations in Europe and the Americas. The group is one of the largest telecom operators in Europe and Latin America, serving millions of customers under multiple brand names.

The company traces its origins to 1924, when it was established as Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España (CTNE) to operate the national telephone network. It expanded internationally through acquisitions and joint ventures in the late 20th century and was privatized during the 1990s. The parent name Telefónica emerged as the group broadened beyond Spain.

In consumer markets, Telefónica uses Movistar as the primary brand in many Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries and in Spain. The O2 brand has been used in certain markets, including the United Kingdom and Germany, following corporate restructurings. In Brazil, its subsidiary Telefónica Brasil markets services under the Vivo brand. The company offers mobile, fixed broadband, and pay television services, delivered via wireless networks, fixed-line infrastructure, and fiber deployments.

Financially, Telefónica is listed on European stock exchanges and has been a member of the IBEX 35 index. Its strategy has focused on simplifying its corporate structure, expanding digital services, and investing in growth markets, while navigating regulatory environments and competitive pressures typical of the telecommunications sector.