Spain's telecom operators roll out 5G satellite testbed and new Edge node

Vodafone Spain has supplied equipment to the University of Malaga to create a 5G satellite testbed. The infrastructure, part of the EU‑funded 6G‑EXPANSE project, includes high‑altitude platforms, software‑defined radios, a ground station and a CubeSat equipped with 5G radios, allowing researchers to study non‑terrestrial networks and the integration of space‑based components with terrestrial 5G.

Telefónica announced that an Edge computing node will be installed in Murcia by 2027. The node will extend the operator’s Edge Plan, using fiber and 5G connectivity to bring data processing closer to users and support applications such as artificial intelligence, industrial automation and digital public services. The deployment aligns with the European IPCEI Edge initiative, aiming to strengthen digital sovereignty by reducing reliance on foreign cloud platforms.