Google Cloud’s latest operator deal is with Telefónica in a partnership to advance 5G mobile edge computing and boost digitalisation in Spain.
As part of the agreement, Google Cloud will leverage Telefonica’s Madrid region infrastructure to open a new ‘cloud region’.
Telefónica says the move will reinforce its global multi-cloud strategy and that it will use Google Cloud services to increase digital capabilities in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and application development.
The operator notes that the partnership marks “the significance and relevance of cloud computing for the future of the telecommunications industry”, adding that its strong infrastructure combined with Google Cloud’s mobile edge platform will deliver value-added 5G services to Spanish businesses and consumers.
Economic recovery
The CEOs of both Telefónica and Google said the partnership could help support Spain’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman & CEO, Telefónica, commented, “Through our alliance with Google Cloud, we want to fulfil our social commitment and foster the recovery of the economy by helping companies, the public administration and alltypes of organisations not only to recover the ground lost by the crisis as well as accelerate their digital transformation and strengthen themselves for the future”.
“Helping businesses adapt to our changing world has been a big focus for Google, before and during the COVID-19 crisis,” added Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “We’re excited to be partnering with Telefónica to launch a new cloud region in Spain and help Spanish businesses big and small find new ways to innovate and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.”
Google Cloud has also recently partnered with operators including TIM, T-Systems and AT&T.