Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service has opened a consultation on a draft order that would end Telefónica de España, S.A.U.’s designation for fixed-location broadband and voice services on Jan. 1, 2027. The proposed change concerns the obligation to provide those services as part of Spain’s universal service.
Which services would the draft cover?
The proposal covers broadband internet and voice communications delivered through a fixed-location connection. It would end their status as public-service obligations and Telefónica de España, S.A.U.’s designation to provide those universal-service elements.
How would provider responsibility change?
Under the draft, operators would handle requests in the areas where they offer the relevant services. The Ministry’s proposal therefore shifts responsibility from one designated provider to operators serving within their own coverage areas.
| Dimension | Existing arrangement | Arrangement proposed in the draft |
| Services | Fixed-location broadband and voice are universal-service elements. | Their status as public-service obligations would end. |
| Provider responsibility | Telefónica de España, S.A.U. is designated through Dec. 31, 2026. | Operators would handle requests in areas where they offer the relevant services. |
The draft would preserve Telefónica’s social allowance for current eligible low-income retirees and pensioners.
The CNMC’s separate concerns
In its July 20, 2026, assessment of a separate draft regulation, the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) called for clearer practical rules and raised concerns about cases where serving an area involves high costs or additional investment. That assessment addressed the draft regulation, not the later proposal to end Telefónica’s designation.
Consultation runs through Oct. 22
The Ministry opened the consultation on Oct. 7, 2026, and is accepting submissions through Oct. 22.
