Responsible digitalisation for a fairer society

Closing the digital divide does not depend solely on expanding coverage. It also involves addressing the usage gap, which affects people who, even though they have access to networks, encounter barriers to taking full advantage of technology, either due to a lack of digital skills, resources, accessibility, or trust in the digital environment.

At Telefónica, we believe that responsible digitalisation goes beyond deploying networks or driving innovation. It means building a fairer society, where no one is excluded due to lack of access, skills, or vulnerability.

That’s why we published our Digital Inclusion Report 2025 a comprehensive guide outlining how we integrate digital inclusion into our business strategy.

Five pillars to bridge the digital divide

1. Inclusive access: coverage, affordability, and accessibility

By 2025, Telefónica achieved between 67% and 99% 5G coverage in its main markets and 70 million real estate units with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). In rural areas of Germany, Brazil, and Spain, we deployed networks in partnership with third parties to democratize internet access and enhance 5G connectivity in remote areas.

In addition, we offer affordable commercial rates, as well as social subscriptions, and contribute to the Universal Service Funds (USF). On the other hand, we promote digital accessibility and technologies for people with disabilities, with the aim of making our digital services available to everyone.

2. Digital skills training: literacy and employability

In 2025, more than 900,000 people were trained in intermediate or advanced digital skills through programs like Conecta Empleo or 42. These initiatives strengthen digital employability and entrepreneurship.

We also promote digital literacy among seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through initiatives like Reconectados in Spain and Digital mobil im Alter in Germany. 

We also contribute to the digitalisation of education through ProFuturo and promote technological and digital knowledge among girls and women thanks to more than 33 external initiatives in 2025.

3. Safe and responsible use of technology

Cybersecurity, privacy and digital ethics are essential conditions in our offer. For this reason, we ensure adequate protection of information and the technologies that process it, and we try to generate a relationship of trust with all our stakeholders.

We pay special attention to the rights of minors in the digital environment through technological solutions such as parental control tools, consultation and reporting mechanisms, content blocking, alliances with interest groups and awareness-raising initiatives.

In 2025 alone, our initiatives to raise awareness about the safe and responsible use of technology generated more than 49 million impacts.

4. Innovation, artificial intelligence, and relevant services

Innovation, the use of artificial intelligence, and our digital product and service offerings must add value to people’s daily lives. These efforts must address social challenges, put people at the center, and ensure respect for the environment. To this end, we develop solutions in areas such as health, cybersecurity, renewable self-consumption or smarter and more sustainable agriculture.

In addition, we promote ethical and responsible artificial intelligence, with principles that place people and human rights at the centre. Telefónica has had its Artificial Intelligence Principles in place since 2018, updated in 2024, and an AI Governance Model approved in 2023 to promote ethical and responsible development of this technology.

5. Sustainable value creation

In 2025, our operations generated nearly €78,000 million in positive impact across the regions where we operate. This highlights the crucial role of connectivity and digital transition in both society and sustainable economic development. Of this impact, nearly €17,000 million correspond to our social contribution through digital inclusion.

Conclusion: a future where digitalisation leaves no one behind

The Digital Inclusion Report 2025 is a tangible expression of our commitment. It demonstrates how we view the digital revolution as inclusive, secure, and full of opportunity. From networks to talent, we work to ensure digital inclusion becomes a unifying force. We invite stakeholders to explore the report as a foundation for new partnerships, projects, or public initiatives that promote a more connected, human, and just world. 

Download the Digital Inclusion Report 2025: