Microsoft, Telefónica Expand Partnership

Spanish telco company Telefónica announced an expanded global strategic relationship with Microsoft. The deal is intended to allow the tech and telecommunications giants to focus on accelerating joint projects in the consumer market.

The initiatives will be oriented on crafting and commercializing new ideas for the home, based on Telefónica’s network capacities and tech platforms in different markets.

Telefónica’s Chief Digital Officer Chema Alonso made the announcement during a speech at Telefónica’s stand on the first day of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) that opened today. Mr. Alonso’s position in Telefónica places him in charge of innovation for new digital products and services powered by Big Data and Artificial intelligence for Telefónica’s platform. In recent years the company has placed particularly focused on Digitel Home and IOT technologies.

Another area of collaboration the companies are exploring is gaming, to increase the existing collaboration in markets such as Spain, where the launch of Microsofts’ Xbox Ultimate Game Pass was announced, as well as sales of Xbox consoles as part of Movistar Fusion’s package offers. Telefónica has said it will consider the gaming opportunities in other markets where the company has a strong presence.

Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providersThe company offers fixed and mobile connectivity, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 365 million customers and often wields considerable political influence.

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