Telefónica CEO Gayo touts strength of Spain’s telecom networks at La Toja Forum
TEF•Telefónica CEO Emilio Gayo said Spain has fiber coverage near 100% of households and 5G coverage above 96% of the population. He called for faster, more flexible telecom regulation to support continued network investment and European digital sovereignty.
1. Network coverage and investment
Speaking at the La Toja Forum, Gayo said Spain’s fiber coverage is near 100% of households and 5G coverage exceeds 96% of the population, positioning the country as a European leader. He warned that sustaining network quality requires continued heavy investment and said regulation should support returns to keep capital spending flowing.
2. European digital sovereignty
Gayo framed European tech sovereignty around control of data, platform operators and supplier choice, and urged alternatives for critical technology components. He said political momentum is emerging in Europe to push regulatory changes that could strengthen digital sovereignty.




