The digital pulse: for a robust and secure communications network

The continuous flow of information requires robust communication networks and infrastructure. In Europe alone, more than 520 million people are connected via mobile networks. Each line transmits more than 50 gigabytes of data per month, and 5G alone already accounts for more than 200 million active connections. All of this requires energy: about 0.12 kilowatt-hours per gigabyte transferred. But what happens if all of this stops? Maintaining the electricity supply is vital because our communications and our presence in the world depend on it. If the electricity fails, not only does technology shut down: the digital pulse of society stops. During the blackout of April 28, 2025, the absolute dependence of modern society on energy and communication networks became evident. Cellnex, which played a key role in keeping broadcasting and emergency networks operational, demonstrated that investment in robust infrastructure is essential to guaranteeing continuity of service in critical situations.

In the context of chaos and misinformation during the blackout, radio and television became vital channels, thanks to the preparedness and resilience of the infrastructure. Cellnex guaranteed the continuity of service in a critical situation. Actions such as those of RTVE, which activated emergency protocols to guarantee public information, reducing channels, optimizing fuel consumption, and ensuring broadcasting thanks to generators and energy reserves, highlighted the importance of having robust networks.

"When everything else fails, communication cannot fail," says Alfonso Álvarez, CEO of Cellnex Spain. The blackout tested the resilience of the networks and their planning. "Everything that worked during the blackout is the result of years of prior preparation. Investing in infrastructure is investing in collective security. At Cellnex, we don't just operate infrastructure: we sustain essential services for daily life" because "connectivity is now a de facto public service."

The use of batteries and generators during the blackout demonstrated that they are not an extra but also a critical component. Ensuring network autonomy and a robust future for telecommunications is therefore essential.

Urban and rural connectivity: small cells and shared towers

Connectivity, especially in urban areas, also demands significant planning and technology, and it is in this sense that Cellnex is working equally hard to improve the constant flow of information in dense environments. In cities, we are always connected; we want real-time information, we make video calls, we want food delivered, and we expect to be connected to shops, restaurants, or department stores, even behind thick concrete walls or metal glass. Investment is equally necessary. So is ingenuity. Kiosks, traditional symbols of urban space, are now becoming Wi-Fi hotspots, interactive screens, or payment terminals. Streetlights, bus stops, and street furniture are also new coverage points. Luis Sancho, CEO of Urban Service Point, explains how these spaces host small cillos, Small, almost invisible 4G and 5G cells, deployed by Cellnex, mean that "we are often connected without realizing it to the antenna right next to us."

In rural areas, sharing infrastructure is essential to guarantee connectivity. Rural depopulation has been a historical constant, but technology is opening up new opportunities. Such as the one driven by Elio López, a Galician cattle farmer who has developed a smart collar for cows that monitors animal behavior in real time, thanks to low-power networks and the support of Cellnex's infrastructure. "Connectivity allows us to continue working in the fields without falling behind," and the viability of projects like his, which involves sharing towers and antennas, reduces costs, environmental impact, and internet access in sparsely populated areas.

Connected mobility: the digital revolution of transport

What was once a handicap is also becoming a new opportunity, such as transforming commutes into spaces of connectivity. Every day, millions of people spend more than an hour and a half commuting, and what was previously considered wasted time is now being invested thanks to technology. 5G is transforming trains and subways into digital spaces for working, communicating, and consuming content. With solutions like DAS, Cellnex enables stable, high-quality coverage in complex railway environments, driving a social transformation that redefines the value of time spent on the move, as demonstrated in successful projects in Catania and Naples. When the live experience is also lived digitally

Major events are now unique experiences, thanks to technology. A concert, a match, or a large event is no longer experienced only at the venue. Connectivity allows millions of people to enjoy the experience in real time without needing to be physically present.

The Distributed Antenna System (DAS) deployed by Cellnex in stadiums to guarantee high-quality 4G and 5G coverage allows tens of thousands of users to connect simultaneously throughout the event. The platforms ofedge streamingImmersive experiences with multiple cameras, statistics, and personalized content turn the fan into the protagonist, expanding the physical experience with a digital dimension.