Telefonica has agreed to acquire LineoX, a rural backhaul infrastructure operator in Spain, from investment firm Asterion Industrial Partners. The transaction reinforces Telefonica’s strategy of strengthening control over critical network assets as demand for high-quality mobile and broadband connectivity continues to grow across the country.
LineoX operates one of Spain’s largest rural microwave radio link networks, providing essential backhaul infrastructure that enables mobile operators to transport voice and data traffic between cell sites and core networks. The platform plays a particularly important role in delivering connectivity to rural and underserved regions where fiber deployment can be more challenging and costly.
The acquisition marks a return of the infrastructure assets to Telefonica. In 2020, Asterion acquired Telefonica’s portfolio of microwave radio links through a carve-out transaction and subsequently developed LineoX into an independent telecommunications infrastructure company. Over the past five years, LineoX has expanded its capabilities and become part of a broader wholesale telecom infrastructure group alongside Axión, offering services across microwave links, telecom towers, broadcasting infrastructure, and fiber transport networks.
Telefonica said integrating LineoX will enhance its ability to manage critical network capabilities while improving infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency. The company believes direct ownership of the platform will support future investments in network modernization, rural coverage expansion, and next-generation connectivity services.
Borja Ochoa, CEO of Telefonica España, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term infrastructure strategy and will strengthen its ability to deliver reliable, high-quality services to customers across Spain.
LineoX has maintained a close commercial relationship with Telefonica since the 2020 transaction, with the telecom operator remaining one of its largest customers. This long-standing partnership helped ensure network continuity and service reliability while LineoX operated independently under Asterion’s ownership.
The deal also highlights the successful collaboration between Telefonica and Asterion. Since acquiring the assets in 2020, Asterion transformed LineoX into a specialized rural connectivity platform with a strong operational footprint in Spain’s telecommunications market.
As operators accelerate 5G deployments and seek to expand digital inclusion in rural communities, ownership of strategic backhaul infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Telefonica’s acquisition of LineoX is expected to strengthen its rural network capabilities, improve service resilience, and support the continued evolution of Spain’s telecommunications infrastructure.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
